The UK Home Office’s February 2024 Factsheet shows a decrease in net migration in the country.
The net migration for the year ending in June 2023 was 672,000, which was less than the 745,000 figure from the year prior but still higher than pre-pandemic levels.
UK Records Decrease in Migration
A portion of the net migration increase can be ascribed to the growth in foreign care workers and students. The increase in legal migration has prompted the implementation of measures, one of which is addressing the number of students who are bringing dependents to the UK.
On December 4, 2023, the Home Secretary and Prime Minister unveiled a plan to lower immigration levels and stop abuse of the system. Under the new plan, about 300,000 individuals who visited the UK the year before would not be permitted to return.
On December 21, 2023, the Minister for Legal Migration and the Border wrote a letter to every Member of Parliament outlining additional information regarding the implementation of these measures.
Further information regarding the implementation date of the government’s migration reduction package was released on January 30. One of the most important ways to reduce net migration is to forbid foreign caregivers from bringing their dependents with them.
Possible Reasons For Decrease in Migration
As of March 11, social care organizations in England that sponsor visas must engage in Care Quality Commission-registered activities. Starting on April 4, 2024, the salary threshold for foreign employees will rise by almost 50%, from £26,200 to £38,700.
This is an attempt to persuade companies to value British talent and make personnel investments. The 20% pay discount for shortage occupations will cease when the Shortage Occupation List is transformed into an Immigration Salary List.
The list’s composition will be reviewed by the Migration Advisory Committee in light of the higher salary thresholds. Raising the minimum income requirement for family visas to £38,700 will bring it into compliance with the Skilled Worker route’s minimum salary requirement.
This will guarantee that individuals only bring dependents to the UK that they are able to sustain financially.
As per reports, starting on April 11, the minimum income required for family visas will be gradually increased to £29,000. By early 2025, the minimum income will increase to £38,700.
