It's important to note that certain professions, such as those in health and social care, as well as teachers on national pay scales, are exempt from this elevated salary threshold. Nevertheless, even within these exempted categories, challenges persist, as demonstrated by the restriction on overseas care workers from bringing family dependents with them. Such limitations have drawn criticism from various groups, including the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Royal College of Nursing, who argue that these measures fail to address the pressing issue of labour shortages within the UK.
Amid these changes, the rules governing family visas have also undergone revisions. Individuals seeking to join family members in the UK now face stringent income requirements and must demonstrate proficiency in English. Initially slated to rise to £38,700, the income threshold was eventually scaled back to £29,000 following concerns over the potential separation of families. Nonetheless, plans remain in place for gradual increases, with the threshold set to reach £34,500 and eventually £38,700 by early 2025.
Note, you have to demonstrate a good command over English and meet the minimum income threshold.
The PBS operates on a points-based system, wherein applicants must accumulate a minimum of 70 points to qualify for a skilled worker visa. These points are allocated based on various factors, including possessing a job offer above a certain skill level, proficiency in English, and meeting specific salary criteria. Additionally, applicants can earn points for working in sectors facing shortages or holding a relevant PhD. However, obtaining a visa under this system comes at a cost, with fees ranging from £719 to £1,500 for a skilled visa, alongside a healthcare surcharge of £1,035 per year starting from April 2024.
To address labour shortages in key sectors, the UK government maintains a "shortage occupation list," which facilitates the recruitment of foreign workers for specific roles. Jobs listed here are subject to lower salary thresholds, making it easier for applicants to meet visa requirements. However, recent reforms have seen a reduction in the number of occupations on this list, signaling a shift in immigration priorities.
These jobs have a lower salary threshold, making it easier for applicants to gain enough points to get a visa. The list includes:
In the year ended June 2023, a total of 1,180,000 people came to the UK and an estimated 508,000 departed. That means net migration, the difference between the number of people arriving and leaving, stood at 672,000. Across the 2022 calendar year, net migration reached a record 745,000. The vast majority of the 1,180,000 - 968,000, came from outside the EU. Of those, 39 per cent came to study, 33 per cent to work, and 9 per cent for humanitarian reasons, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Brexit has also had a profound impact on immigration dynamics in the UK. With the end of freedom of movement between the UK and the EU in January 2021, EU nationals are now subject to the same immigration rules as non-EU citizens. Consequently, the UK has witnessed a significant decline in net EU migration, with more EU nationals leaving the country than arriving. Meanwhile, migration trends among non-EU nationals and British nationals have also evolved, reflecting the broader changes in the immigration landscape post-Brexit.
In addition to changes in work-related visas, the UK's student visa policies have undergone modifications, affecting international students and their dependents. While the number of study visas issued remains substantial, recent adjustments restrict the eligibility of dependents for postgraduate students unless enrolled in designated research programs. However, graduates can now benefit from extended visa durations to pursue employment opportunities in the UK following the completion of their studies.
Seasonal worker visas cater to temporary labour needs, particularly in industries such as agriculture. Despite efforts to streamline the visa process and ensure fair wages for workers, challenges persist in recruiting seasonal labourers, as highlighted by anecdotal evidence from agricultural sectors.
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