UK Work Visa Reforms: Impact of Stricter Rules and Salary Changes on Applicants

The UK government has announced significant changes to its visa rules, effective April 9, 2024. These changes will affect care workers, skilled professionals, and international students. The new regulations require employers to prioritize local recruitment before hiring from abroad, and they also increase salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas.

New Rules for Care Workers: Prioritizing Local Recruitment

With the updated immigration rules, care providers in England must focus on hiring international care workers already in the UK. Employers need to demonstrate that they have attempted to recruit from within the country before seeking workers from overseas. This initiative aims to combat visa abuse, particularly in the care sector.

Since July 2022, the UK has revoked over 470 sponsor licenses in this field. More than 39,000 workers have been affected since October 2020. These measures are part of a broader effort to ensure fair hiring practices and protect local labor opportunities.

Ban on Charging Workers for Sponsorship Costs

In a move to protect foreign workers, the UK government has banned employers from charging them for sponsorship costs. This ban prevents exploitation and alleviates the financial burdens that often fall on international employees. By eliminating these charges, the government aims to create fairer employment conditions for all workers.

Increased Minimum Salary for Skilled Worker Visas

Starting April 9, the minimum salary requirement for Skilled Worker visas will increase. It will rise from £23,200 per year (£11.90 per hour) to £25,000 per year (£12.82 per hour). This adjustment aligns with findings from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and seeks to ensure fair compensation for skilled workers, including those in care roles.

Updated Salary Thresholds for Health and Education Jobs

The revised salary thresholds will also affect professionals in health and education. This includes doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and teachers. Their minimum pay will be adjusted to reflect the latest national pay scales, ensuring competitive wages in these vital sectors.

Stricter Rules for Short-Term Student Visas

The UK government is imposing stricter regulations on Short-Term Student visas. These visas are typically issued for English language courses lasting between six and eleven months. Authorities have raised concerns about individuals exploiting this route without genuine intent to study.

To prevent misuse, the government will introduce stricter monitoring measures. This will ensure that the visa is used strictly for its intended purpose, reinforcing the integrity of the immigration system.

Key Takeaways

• Prioritization of Domestic Talent: Care providers must hire from within the UK before sponsoring new workers.
• Protection Against Exploitation: Companies cannot charge workers for sponsorship costs.
• Increased Minimum Salary: The minimum salary for Skilled Worker visas will rise to £25,000 per year (£12.82 per hour) starting April 9.
• Tighter Student Visa Rules: New measures will prevent abuse of the Short-Term Student visa route.

Final Thoughts

The UK government is refining its immigration policies to prevent visa misuse while ensuring fair opportunities for foreign workers. Stricter recruitment rules for care providers, increased salary thresholds, and tighter controls on student visas aim to balance labor market needs with effective immigration control.

These changes reflect a commitment to both protecting local employment and supporting skilled workers from abroad.