On Monday, the UK government unveiled a set of measures aimed at reducing net migration to the country, including proposals to increase the minimum salary requirement for foreign workers seeking work visas.
The issue of high levels of legal migration has been a focal point in British politics for over a decade, and Chancellor Rishi Sunak has pledged to exert more control amid criticism from Conservative Party lawmakers ahead of an anticipated upcoming election.
James Cleverly, the Interior Minister, announced that the minimum salary threshold for skilled foreign workers would be raised from £26,200 to £38,700. The reforms also include adjustments to the list of occupations exempt from the threshold due to shortages and stricter regulations regarding workers bringing their families.
Cleverly emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing migration, stating, “Migration to this country is far too high and needs to come down, and today we are taking more robust action than any other government before.” The proposed measures are set to be implemented from the next spring.
However, these changes might spark new disagreements with business owners who have faced challenges in hiring workers, given the persistently tight labor market and the cessation of free movement from the European Union following the UK’s departure.
Data from last month revealed that annual net migration to the UK reached a record 745,000 last year and has remained at elevated levels. Cleverly asserted, “This package plus our reduction in student dependents will mean around 300,000 fewer people will come in future years than have come to the UK last year.”
