The UK declared numerous crucial immigration updates in the first two weeks of February 2024, reflecting changes in visa income requirements, health surcharges, and penalties for illegal working. Let’s see the details:
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Immigration Health Surcharge Increase
The UK has raised the annual Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) by 66%, from £624 to £1,035 for each applicant from February 6, 2024. This increase remarkably elevates the cost of visa applications for UK immigrants, shaping the affordability of study, work, and family visas.
Adjustments to Family Visa Income Thresholds
After tracking back from previously announced plans, the earnings threshold for new family visas will increase to £29,000 rather than the initially proposed £38,700. This staged approach aims to simplify the progression that will rise to £34,500 later in the year and finally to £38,700 in early 2025.
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Increased Fines for Employing Illegal Workers
The UK has raised the fines for employers found guilty of employing illegal workers remarkably, effective from February 13, 2024. These penalties have tripled for the first breach, elevating from £15,000 to £45,000. This initiative highlights the intense crackdowns on illegal employment practices by the government.
The UK is continually improving its immigration policies while stabilizing the need for skilled workers with the pressures of net migration. The significant rise in the IHS reflects a broader shift towards increasing costs associated with migrating to the UK, while immigration levels and workforce needs are continually highlighted.
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