Introduction
The UK government has revealed a UK new Immigration Rules in its immigration policies. These groundbreaking changes are meticulously designed to cater to the ever-evolving needs of the United Kingdom while upholding a delicate equilibrium between it’s economic growth and controlled migration. These revisions and updates to the rules, mainly aim to reduce migration but continue to lure top-tier professionals in pivotal sectors such as technology, healthcare, and finance. But that's not all - the UK government has also gave an opportunity to international students, streamlining pathways to seamlessly transition into the workforce post-education by introducing the Graduate Route. This is a game-changer, fostering a vibrant international talent pool and fulfilling the demands of UK businesses.
The changes to the Immigration rules are not just about catering to the needs of businesses; they are about strengthening the cycle of opportunities for all. By harmonising the influx of migrants with the interests of public, the government seeks to ease public concerns and ensure a manageable and sustainable immigration system for the times ahead.
Below are some of the important and impactful changes thus far:
UK New Immigration Rules 2024 Updates
1. Changes to the Salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas:
● Previous minimum threshold: The minimum salary requirement for a skilled worker visa application was £26,200.
● New Threshold: As of 04 April 2024, the minimum salary requirement has been increased substantially to £38,700 or the prevailing rate for that specific job category, as determined by the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2020, replacing SOC 2010.
● Transitional Salaries: For those with a Skilled Worker visa extending their permission or changing employers in the UK, the minimum salary threshold is either £29,000 (up from £26,200) or the going rate based on the 25th percentile of the 2023 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data, whichever is higher. This usually means a 10-20% increase in the minimum salary threshold.
Examples:
● Chief executives and senior officials: Pre-4th April 2024: £59,300, Post-4th April 2024: £84,100; Transitional: £54,700.
● IT business analysts: Pre-4th April 2024: £30,080, Post-4th April 2024: £51,700; Transitional: £39,300.
● Sales administrators: Pre-4th April 2024: £26,200, Post-4th April 2024: £38,700; Transitional: £29,000.
2. Changes to the Global Business Mobility route.
● No Cap: The previous cap on General visas has been lifted, so now there's no limit on the number of workers who can come to the UK through the Global Business Mobility route.
● No RLMT: Employers are no longer required to undertake a Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) under the new rules for global business mobility visas. This change simplifies the process and makes it easier for businesses to bring in the talent they need from around the world.
3. Salary threshold for the Global Business Mobility Senior or Specialist Worker visa.
● Effective from 04 April 2024, the minimum salary required for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa (formerly known as intra-company transfer) under the Global Business Mobility route has been increased, from £45,800 to £48,500. **If the going rate salary for the specific occupation is higher than £48,500, then that higher rate must apply.
4. Changes that are specific to Health and Care Workers.
● Immediate Family Ban: Newly arriving social care workers are no longer allowed to bring their dependents (partners and children) on their visa. This restriction has been in place since 11 March 2024.
● Health and Care Worker Visa: The minimum salary requirement for health and care workers has been increased to £23,200 (lower rate).
5. The Immigration Salary List (ISL) vs The Shortage Occupation List (SOL)
● The ISL is now a replacement for the SOL when it comes to jobs in short supply in the UK. It establishes specific thresholds for salaries based on occupations, and list of these jobs has been shortened by the Home Office. For jobs listed on the ISL, the threshold is either £30,960 or the specific occupation threshold, whichever amount is higher. For Health and Care Workers, the lower rate is £23,200 for a 37.5 hour per week contract.
How does the ISL affect the overall number of eligible job roles for the Skilled Worker route? Before the recent changes, around 30% of job positions that qualified for the Skilled Worker route were listed on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). With the introduction of the ISL, 21 occupations, which make up 8% of eligible job roles based on employment, were included. This is a temporary solution while a complete review of the ISL is planned for later this year. Some of the 21 occupations included in the ISL are Chemical scientists, Biological scientists, Social and humanities scientists, Artists, Dancers and choreographers, Musicians, Arts officers, producers and directors, Graphic and multimedia designers, Welding trades, Carpenters and joiners etc.
Staying informed
This article serves to update you on some of the various changes to the Immigration rules which may impact your life or the day to day running of your business. If you have questions or need help with your immigration application or with making a decision on whether to move to the UK, we are always here to assist and guide you.
At Bailey James Legal, we consult with your best interest in mind! For professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our team of immigration lawyers in London. Visit our website now or give us a call today.
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