UK government has recently implemented changes to the skilled worker visa program, raising the general salary threshold from £26,200 to £38,700. This move, according to Home Secretary James Cleverly, aims to reduce migration and prioritize British workers by ensuring that employers cannot undercut them with cheap labor from overseas.
In a statement released on Thursday, the UK government highlighted that businesses will now be required to pay significantly higher wages to overseas workers coming to the country on skilled worker visas. The government aims to clamp down on the use of cheap foreign labor and fulfill its commitment to reducing net migration.
The increased salary threshold is intended to focus the UK’s immigration system on recruiting highly skilled workers, thereby contributing to the growth of the national economy while simultaneously decreasing overall immigration numbers. The government emphasizes that no sector should become overly reliant on immigration. As part of these changes, the shortage occupation list has been abolished, preventing employers from paying migrant workers in shortage occupations less than their British counterparts.
To ensure that the new immigration system aligns with the needs of the economy, an immigration salary list (ISL) has been created based on recommendations from the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). Roles will only be included on the list if they are both skilled and experiencing a shortage. The inclusion of these roles must not lead to reduced pay or hinder the recruitment of British workers. Employers are encouraged to invest in training, upskilling, and prioritizing the hiring of domestic workers.
These changes come as the UK government implements a £2.5 billion Back to Work plan, aiming to support British individuals in finding employment. The plan focuses on breaking down barriers to work for the long-term unemployed, those with long-term sickness, and individuals with disabilities.
Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasized the need to prioritize British workers and put an end to the influx of cheap labor from abroad. The government believes that mass migration is unsustainable and unfair as it undermines the wages of hard-working individuals striving to make ends meet. By refocusing the immigration system, reducing overall numbers, and prioritizing skilled workers, the government aims to deliver on its commitment to the British people.
The UK government has been implementing various reforms to reduce migration, including the recent decision to prohibit most postgraduate students from bringing dependents to the country. As a result, a significant decline in student dependent applications is expected this year, aligning with the government’s objective to reduce immigration numbers.
