By Ben Kerrigan-
Home Secretary James Cleverly has introduced a comprehensive five-point plan aimed at achieving the most significant reduction in net migration, following record levels of migration in 2022.
The plan, encompassing changes to salary requirements, health and care worker visas, and family dependants, seeks to address concerns over immigration levels that have fueled political pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Conservative government.
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Official figures from last month revealed that net migration in the UK had reached a historic high of 745,000 in 2022, posing a substantial challenge for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Conservative government.
Having repeatedly pledged to reduce net migration since 2010, the Conservatives have faced increased scrutiny for failing to meet these promises. The issue has become a focal point, with immigration emerging as a key topic ahead of the anticipated 2024 general election.
Home Secretary James Cleverly outlined a comprehensive plan to curb immigration, emphasizing the need for fairness, legality, and sustainability. The key measures include:
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Salary Hike for Skilled Overseas Workers: The minimum salary required for skilled overseas workers has been raised from £26,200 to £38,700, a move intended to reduce the influx of skilled workers and tighten eligibility criteria.
Restrictions on Health and Care Worker Visas: Health and care workers will no longer be able to bring family dependants to the UK. This measure aims to address perceived abuse of health and care visas and to prioritize individual qualifications and contributions.
End to Underpayment for In-Demand Jobs: Companies will be prohibited from paying workers less than the going rate for jobs on a shortage occupation list, closing a loophole that allowed a 20% reduction in wages.
Increased NHS Charge for Foreign Workers: The annual charge foreign workers pay to use the NHS will see a significant increase, rising from £624 to £1,035. This move is part of the government’s efforts to offset the costs associated with immigration.
Family Visa Income Threshold Raised: The minimum income requirement for family visas has been elevated to £38,700, up from £18,600. This change aims to ensure that individuals sponsoring family members can meet a higher financial threshold.
The proposed reforms have ignited a mix of reactions from various quarters. While some Conservative MPs have welcomed the changes, describing them as serious and credible steps, critics argue that the government’s failure to introduce more substantial reforms, such as tying immigration to training and fair pay requirements, is indicative of broader shortcomings.
Labour’s shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper characterized the announcement as an admission of years of Tory failure, pointing out the lack of substantial reforms linking immigration to training and fair pay requirements.
Unison general secretary Christina McAnea expressed concerns about the potential impact on the NHS and social care, labeling the plans as “cruel” and warning of a total disaster.
The proposed immigration reforms are set to take effect in the spring of next year, with the government estimating a reduction of around 300,000 people coming to the UK in future years.
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