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News | 12th September 2024

New UK Immigration Rules 2024

UK Government unveil new immigration rules

 

On Monday 4 December, the UK’s Home Secretary unveiled the government’s new immigration rules, which will come into effect from Spring 2024. It is said this is due to increased pressure to reduce the net legal migration figures in the UK.

The updates will have a significant impact on migrant workers and their dependents who had been planning to move to the UK.

UK Immigration Rules 2024

What are the main changes?

  • Skilled Worker Minimum Salary – the minimum salary threshold for workers looking to obtain a skilled worker visa has increased from £26,200 to £38,700 per annum. (This does not extend to Health and Care workers)
  • Minimum Earnings Requirement for Dependent Sponsorship – British and settled citizens looking to obtain visa sponsorship for family members has increased from £18,600 to £38,700.
  • Restrictions on dependent visas – holders of student visas and health and care worker visas will be prevented from having bringing dependents to the UK on their visa.
  • Review of graduate visa route

The changes will likely have most significant impact on sectors which depend on migrant workers such as construction, manufacturing and health and care industry. Employers who rely on graduates may also see a significant decline in the number of candidates applying for positions, should the review impose further restrictions.

That said, all employers with workers currently on sponsored visas will need to consider the impact these changes may have on their employees, their families and future plans to stay in the UK.

Increase in Civil Penalties

In addition to this, the government will be cracking down on right to work checks, with a significant increase in civil penalty fines for employers who hire illegal workers. From 22 January 2024, any breach of the Civil Penalty Code of Practice will result in a fine of £45,000 (for the first breach) and £60,000 (for subsequent breaches). This sees a staggering increase of 3 times the current penalty rate.

It is important to note that Employer of Record (EOR) companies cannot legally sponsor a worker visa in the UK due to the sponsorship restrictions where work activity is not performed directly for the employer.

Want to find out more about work permits and visas in the UK? Why not check out our guide for more information.

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