New regulations aimed at prioritising British workers and reducing overall migration have been implemented in the UK.
As part of these changes, businesses hiring overseas workers on skilled worker visas will now face higher costs, with the general salary threshold rising by 48 percent from £26,200 to £38,700. This adjustment is intended to shift the focus of the immigration system towards attracting highly skilled individuals, thereby contributing to the growth of the UK economy while controlling overall migration levels.
Home Secretary James Cleverly said, “It’s time to turn off the taps and end the flow of cheap workers from abroad. Mass migration is unsustainable and it’s simply not fair. It undercuts the wages of hard-working people who are just trying to make ends meet.”
He said the government was refocusing the immigration system “to prioritise the brightest and best who have the skills our economy needs while reducing overall numbers”.
In a move to prevent any sector from becoming overly dependent on immigration, the occupation list has been eliminated. Employers are now prohibited from paying migrant workers less than their UK counterparts in shortage occupations. Through consultations with the Migration Advisory Committee, a new immigration salary list has been established. This list will exclusively feature skilled roles experiencing shortages.
Against the backdrop of the government's £2.5 billion 'back to work' initiative, these measures are implemented to bolster support for British citizens. The aim is to assist up to 1,100,000 individuals with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or enduring unemployment in finding and maintaining employment.
