Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasized the need to alleviate pressure on the job market and ensure fairness for hard-working citizens
In a move aimed at curbing migration figures, the United Kingdom has implemented substantially higher salary thresholds for skilled workers, impacting a significant number of Indian professionals seeking opportunities in the country. Effective immediately, the salary threshold for applicants under the Skilled Worker visa route has surged from £26,200 to £38,700, marking a notable 48% increase.
The UK Home Office defends these measures as part of a broader strategy to prioritize local talent and prevent the undercutting of domestic wages by inexpensive foreign labor. Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasized the need to alleviate pressure on the job market and ensure fairness for hard-working citizens.
As the landscape of UK immigration evolves, the impact on Indian professionals remains a subject of keen interest and scrutiny
Simultaneously, adjustments to the minimum income required for overseas applicants to sponsor family members on Family Visas are underway. This increment, rising to £29,000 from £18,600, is slated to reach parity with the Skilled Worker visa threshold by early next year, guaranteeing adequate financial support for dependents.
Furthermore, the government has abolished the Shortage Occupation List to discourage reliance on immigrant labor in specific sectors. The newly introduced Immigration Salary List (ISL) will only feature roles deemed skilled and in shortage, with a focus on nurturing the resident workforce.
These reforms signal a broader shift in UK immigration policy, with a concerted effort to empower the local workforce and mitigate dependence on foreign labor. However, they also pose challenges for Indian nationals, who have been among the top contributors to the UK’s skilled workforce, healthcare sector, and student population.
With ongoing reviews by independent advisory bodies like the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), the government aims to ensure that immigration policies align with the nation’s long-term interests and prevent abuse of the system. As the landscape of UK immigration evolves, the impact on Indian professionals remains a subject of keen interest and scrutiny.
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