The UK government is considerably reshaping its immigration approach, as the Minister of State for Legal Migration and the Border, Tom Pursglove, furnished significant updates on the implementation timeline of the ‘Five-Point Plan’ announced on December 4, 2023. As outlined on January 30, 2024, these changes will re-evaluate the UK’s legal migration framework while affecting multiple visa categories and establishing new requirements for migrants and employers.
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Critical Updates to the UK Immigration Policy
- Health and Care Visa Adjustments
According to the new Immigration Rules placed on February 19, 2024, care workers and senior care workers will be prohibited from bringing dependents to the UK starting March 11, 2024.
- Family and Spouse Visa Requirements
On April 11, 2024, the family visa’s minimum income requirement will jump to £29,000, with the intent to increase it to £38,700 by early 2025.
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- Skilled Worker Visa Thresholds
With effect from April 4, 2024, the Skilled Worker visa’s earning threshold will rise from £26,200 to £38,700.
- Shortage Occupation List Revisions
By April 2024, a new ‘Immigration Salary List’ will replace the 20% salary discount for jobs included in the Shortage Occupation List.
- Graduate Route Evaluation
The Home Office will update the graduate route, which is currently under review by the Migration Advisory Committee.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme
The ETAs requirement for Qatari nationals, which was launched in November 2023, is further augmented to specific Middle Eastern countries from February 22, 2024. This scheme simplifies entry to the UK for visa-exempt visitors, reflecting the US’s ESTA.
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Increased Civil Penalties for Illegal Employment
After February 13, 2024, employers recruiting illegal workers will encounter increased penalties, reaching up to £60,000 per worker for repeat offenses. This hike highlights the government’s dedication to imposing immigration laws while ensuring lawful employment practices.
Moving Forward
All the stakeholders, such as employers, migrants, and legal practitioners, must stay informed and prepared for the evolving immigration landscape as the UK journeys through these changes. These amendments mirror the government’s approach to coping with the demand for skilled workers while maintaining the trustworthiness of its borders and immigration system.
We hope you found this information helpful. Follow our blogs for the latest updates and informative content on UK immigration.
One thought on “UK Government Sheds Light on Five-Point Plan Timeline”
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