The UK government unveils stringent visa rules aimed at the largest-ever reduction in net migration, affecting immigrants worldwide. Here’s a breakdown of the changes and their implications:
1 Minimum Salary Spike for Skilled Workers Visa
The minimum wage for a skilled worker visa surges from £26,000 to £38,700, constituting a substantial 50% increase.
2 Health and Care Visa
Exempting health and social care visas from the higher criterion aims to address NHS staffing needs. However, the new rules mean caregivers can no longer bring their dependents.
3 Shortage Occupation List Review:
The government plans to review and reduce the shortage occupation list, impacting roles with lower wage requirements. The change eliminates the previous 20% minimum pay cut for visa applicants in shortage occupations.
4 Family Visa Minimum Requirement:
The minimum amount required for a family visa jumps from £18,600 to £38,700.
5 Student Visa Changes:
The government commissions a review of the graduate route, signaling anticipated adjustments to student visas in the near future.
As the UK takes bold steps to slash migration levels, these changes elicit concerns and discussions, especially for countries like Nigeria, ranking second in non-EU nationalities arriving in the UK. The implications of the new visa rules extend beyond numerical reductions, impacting various categories of immigrants, including skilled workers, healthcare professionals, families, and students.
