- NRI families hopeful amid visa policy review
- Home Office considers lowering income threshold for sponsoring foreign spouses
- Potential relief for thousands of British-Indian families
The UK Home Office is reviewing a controversial immigration rule requiring British citizens or settled residents to earn a minimum income of £29,000 per year to sponsor a foreign spouse. Introduced in April 2024, the policy has been widely criticised as a “tax on love” for separating thousands of cross-border families, especially among ethnic minorities and the Indian diaspora,reported business-standard.com.
Now, based on recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), the government is considering lowering the threshold to £23,000–£25,000. If approved, this move could benefit thousands of NRI households and others impacted by the stringent rule.
The proposed policy change could reunite families and ease emotional hardship, with minimal impact on overall migration levels, experts say
The MAC argues that while the income requirement might deter a marginal number of dependents, the social and emotional benefits of family reunification far outweigh any fiscal trade-off. A reduction from £29,000 to the proposed £23,000–£25,000 would likely increase net migration by only 1–3% (about 8,000 people annually), the panel noted.
The previous Conservative government had proposed raising the bar to £38,700 by 2025—sparking widespread backlash. The Labour government has since paused that plan and commissioned a review. The MAC has submitted its findings, and the Home Office is expected to announce a final decision later this year.
Critics have called the current threshold one of the highest globally, comparable to standards in Norway. “Children are the biggest victims,” said Green Party MP Carla Denyer, who called for reform. “This isn’t about immigration control; it’s about the fundamental right to family life.”
The Guardian also highlighted stories of families forced to live apart for months or years, triggering anxiety, emotional distress, and legal struggles. Many campaigners argue that the rule disproportionately affects women, ethnic minorities, and those in part-time or low-income jobs.
While campaigners welcome the review, some believe that even the proposed threshold remains too high. Organisations like Reunite Families UK continue to lobby for a more inclusive and human rights-based approach to immigration.
What should applicants do?
- UK citizens or settled persons hoping to sponsor spouses should track Home Office updates.
- Those earning close to £23,000–£25,000 should begin preparing documentation.
- Support is available from advocacy groups for affected families.
