New UK Migration Measures Announced: Urgent Actions and Solicitor Guidance Advised (5 December 2023)

The Home Secretary’s latest migration proposals signal a significant shift in the eligibility criteria for UK work and family visas. James Cleverly has announced a drastic swathe of measures in a bid to reduce the migration figures from its current high of 750,000. If the plans in the coming months they could cause difficulties for employers and their prospective employees in a range of sectors, such as care, construction and restaurant fields, so it is important to act swiftly and take legal advice today. Among the key amendments, the minimum salary requirement for foreign workers seeking a UK work visa will spike to £38,700, up from the previous £26,200, a substantial one-third increase. Additionally, the government is aligning the minimum income for family visas with the same threshold, reinforcing the financial stability aspect. Cleverly emphasized that this elevation in salary criteria aims to ensure that individuals can adequately support their dependants. However, exemptions to the elevated salary threshold are granted for those arriving in the UK on health and social care visas, highlighting specific sectors' significance within the migration policy. Furthermore, beginning January 2024, international students will no longer have the right to bring dependants to the UK, except for those enrolled in post-graduate courses designated as essential research—a measure enforced to curtail migration. The implementation timeline for these changes remains uncertain. However, the hike in the Immigration Health Surcharge from £624 to £1,035 per year is confirmed to commence on January 16, 2024. Applicants are advised to act swiftly to navigate these changes before they come in to effect, seeking the counsel of experienced solicitors. About us Duncan Lewis Solicitors is an award-winning firm, with a specialist team with expertise in all business immigration matters, which is equipped to guide and assist applicants in navigating the intricacies of these ever-evolving visa policies. About the author: Krutika Patel is solicitor with extensive experience representing clients in many areas of immigration law, advising on areas which incorporate applications under the points-based system; citizenship; bail applications; removal cases; nationality matters; long residence; and leave to enter and remain applications under the immigration rules. Krutika handles a variety of matters in a diverse range of applications, these include; spousal visa applications; unmarried partner visa applications; fiancé visa applications; EEA nationals applications and asylum applications. Contact her for advice via email at Krutikap@duncanlewis.com or via telephone on 020 3114 1196. Krutika works under director Tamana Aziz, who is expert in all matters relating to business and private immigration. The team excels in complex Skilled Worker and Sponsor Licence applications including for the technology, care and hospitality sectors. Their expertise extends to advising high-net-worth individuals from Asia and the Middle East, and advising on immigration strategy, compliance, and representing clients in immigration-related judicial reviews. Contact via Tamana via email at tamanaa@duncanlewis.com or via telephone on 020 3114 1130. Duncan Lewis Solicitors is renowned for its exceptional legal services and commitment to social justice. The firm’s outstanding reputation, numerous accolades, including being crowned Law Firm of the Year at the Modern Law Awards 2023, and commitment to advocating for marginalised individuals firmly establish it as a leading law firm in the UK, consistently delivering excellent legal services.