UK Announces 5 Tough Policies for Carers, Skilled Workers, Students, and Foreign Workers – How Will They Affect You?

UK Announces 5 Tough Policies for Carers, Skilled Workers, Students, and Foreign Workers – The UK government has recently announced a series of strict immigration policies aimed at reducing net migration. These changes primarily affect carers, skilled workers, international students, and foreign workers seeking opportunities in the UK.

With stricter salary thresholds, visa restrictions, and dependency rules, these new regulations are expected to impact thousands of workers and families. Whether you’re a professional seeking opportunities or a business relying on international talent, understanding these changes is crucial.

UK Announces 5 Tough Policies for Carers, Skilled Workers, Students, and Foreign Workers

The UK government’s tough new immigration policies will significantly impact skilled workers, carers, students, and businesses. Higher salary thresholds and visa restrictions may reduce migration, but they also raise concerns about labor shortages and economic consequences.

Understanding these changes is crucial for employers, professionals, and students planning to move to the UK. If you are affected, consider seeking expert immigration advice to explore your options.

Visit the official UK government website for full details

1. Stricter Visa Rules for Care Workers

One of the most significant changes is the ban on dependants for overseas care workers arriving in the UK under the Health and Care Worker visa.

What does this mean?

• Care workers can no longer bring their spouses, partners, or children to the UK.
• Only care providers registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) can now sponsor overseas care workers.

Impact:

• This move aims to curb rising immigration numbers, but it may worsen staff shortages in the care sector.
• Care workers may opt for alternative countries with more favorable migration policies.

2. Higher Salary Threshold for Skilled Workers

From April 2024, the UK government has raised the minimum salary requirement for a Skilled Worker visa from £26,200 to £38,700.

Who does this affect?

• Professionals in mid-level roles earning below £38,700.
• Industries like hospitality, retail, and healthcare, which rely on foreign talent.

Impact:

• Many foreign professionals may fail to qualify for a work visa.
• Employers may struggle to hire overseas workers and face higher wage demands.

3. The End of the Shortage Occupation List

Previously, the Shortage Occupation List allowed UK employers to hire workers in shortage sectors at a 20% lower salary threshold.

What changed?

• The list has been scrapped and replaced by the Immigration Salary List.
• The new list will focus on jobs that genuinely require foreign workers.

Impact:

• Businesses relying on lower-wage foreign talent will be affected.
• The government aims to push companies to hire and train local workers.

4. Family Visa Income Requirement Increases

The minimum salary requirement for sponsoring a partner or family member has increased from £18,600 to £29,000 (and will rise to £38,700 by early 2025).

Who does this impact?

• UK citizens and residents seeking to bring family members to the UK.
• Families earning less than £38,700 per year.

Impact:

• Family reunification will become much harder for low-to-middle-income earners.
• More families may seek alternative routes or remain separated.

5. Graduate Route Visa Under Review

The Graduate Route Visa allows international students to remain in the UK for 2 years after completing their studies. The UK government is reviewing this route to ensure it is not being misused.

Potential changes:

• Stricter eligibility criteria for post-study work.
• Possible restrictions on certain university degrees.

Impact:

• Fewer international students may choose the UK if post-study work options become limited.
• The UK risks losing talent to other countries with more flexible policies.

How Will These Changes Affect You?

For Employers:

• Hiring international talent will become more expensive and difficult.
• Businesses must adjust recruitment strategies to focus on UK workers.

For Skilled Workers:

• Those earning below £38,700 may not qualify for a UK work visa.
• Workers in high-demand sectors may still have opportunities but under stricter conditions.

For Care Workers:

• Many may choose not to migrate to the UK due to restrictions on dependants.
• The UK care sector may face worker shortages.

For International Students:

• Future study plans may be impacted if post-study work rights are restricted.
• Alternative countries like Canada and Australia may become more attractive.

Alternative Immigration Options

• Global Talent Visa: Available for high-skilled workers in specific fields.
• Innovator Founder Visa: For entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the UK.
• UK Ancestry Visa: For Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent.

Government Announces Free £90 Support Payment – See If You Can Claim!

DWP Announces £4,200 Annual Boost—Check If Your Birth Year Qualifies!

DWP Announces Increased PIP & DLA Payments for 2025 – Check Eligibility and Dates

FAQs

1. When do these UK immigration changes take effect?

Most policies take effect between March and April 2024, with further increases in 2025.

2. Can care workers still apply for UK jobs?

Yes, but they cannot bring dependants and must work for a CQC-registered provider.

3. What are the new salary requirements for a Skilled Worker visa?

The minimum salary requirement has increased to £38,700.

4. Will these rules affect UK businesses?

Yes, many employers will struggle to hire foreign workers and may need to adjust recruitment strategies.

5. Can international students still stay in the UK after graduation?

For now, yes, but the Graduate Route Visa is under review.