Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced that in early 2025, plans will be implemented requiring individuals to earn £38,700 annually before bringing their family to the UK. This is an increase from the current threshold of £18,600 and was previously scheduled to take effect in the spring of 2025. The government has now opted for a two-stage increase, with the threshold rising to £29,000 next spring before increasing to £38,700 the following year.
Speaking to reporters in Lincoln, Sunak defended the timetable, emphasizing that dependants must be supported by those bringing them into the country. Sunak expressed that they were adhering to their initial plans, but doing so in two separate stages. He added that levels of migration to the country are far too high and need to decrease.
According to official estimates, net migration – the difference between the number of people entering and leaving the UK – has risen to a record 745,000 in 2022. In a bid to reduce immigration, the government will be changing the family visa rules, requiring foreign workers to earn at least £38,700 to qualify for a UK skilled worker visa, and other measures.
The threshold increase for family visas faced backlash with critics deeming it too high. However, ministers had concerns that changing the policy all at once would leave the government more vulnerable to legal challenges. Thursday’s announcement revealed that the threshold would rise only to £29,000 in the spring. Sunak provided additional details, stating that the figure would increase to £38,700 in early 2025.
Labour’s shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper, criticized the government for failing to consult with anyone on the proposed changes or consider the effects on families, prompting the government’s rush to reverse the decision. The policy document stated that the new threshold could cut out “low tens of thousands” off the government’s target of reducing legal migration by 300,000 this year.
Individuals who already had a family visa within the five-year partner route or applied before the minimum income threshold was raised will have their applications assessed against the current income level. Approximately 82,395 family-related visas were issued in the year to September, with 79% of them being partners, 13% being children, and 8% being other relatives
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