The United Kingdom has announced a significant increase in the minimum income threshold necessary to sponsor family visas, marking a substantial shift in immigration policy under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s administration. Effective immediately, the income benchmark has surged from £18,600 to £29,000, with further increments planned for the near future, culminating in a target figure of £38,700 early next year.
The decision, unveiled on Thursday, aligns with Prime Minister Sunak’s broader agenda to reduce immigration levels, a key platform in the upcoming UK general elections. The Conservative Party, led by Sunak, faces mounting pressure on immigration policies, with recent surveys indicating potential challenges in the electoral arena.
The UK government, in a statement, emphasized the swift implementation of immigration reforms following the unveiling of measures to tighten the student visa route in May 2023. Interior Minister James Cleverly underscored the necessity of addressing the strains associated with mass migration, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to immigration management.
Cleverly emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding British workers and wages, while ensuring that incoming individuals do not overburden public resources. The revised income requirement aims to promote self-sufficiency among families seeking reunification in the UK, offering flexibility through various means such as savings and employment income to meet the stipulated threshold.
The policy adjustments also encompass stringent regulations on student visas and a substantial 66% increase in the health surcharge for foreign nationals accessing the National Health Service (NHS). These measures collectively aim to curtail immigration figures, with the government targeting a reduction from the current 745,000 to 300,000 individuals.