UK Work Visas Change: How Stricter Rules and Salary Changes Impact You

The United Kingdom has introduced new immigration rules that will impact skilled foreign workers, including international care workers seeking employment in the country. Effective April 9, 2024, these changes aim to tighten regulations, prevent visa system abuse, and ensure fair wages for foreign workers.

New Rules for Care Workers: Prioritizing Local Recruitment

Under the updated immigration rules, care providers in England must prioritize hiring international care workers who are already in the UK and seeking sponsorship before recruiting from overseas.

Employers must prove they have tried to recruit from within England before sponsoring new workers from abroad. These measures are part of the UK’s broader crackdown on visa abuse, particularly in the care sector. Since July 2022;

• Over 470 sponsor licenses have been revoked in the care sector since July 2022.
• More than 39,000 workers have been affected since October 2020.

Ban on Charging Workers for Sponsorship Costs

The government has banned companies from charging employees sponsorship costs. This action protects foreign workers from exploitation, which has caused unfair treatment and financial burdens, and explicitly bans such practices to ensure fair employment conditions.

Minimum Salary for Skilled Worker Visa Increased

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

Updated Salary Thresholds for Health and Education Jobs

The revised salary thresholds will also affect health and education professionals, including 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 essential sectors.

Stricter Rules for Short-Term Student Visas

The UK government is tightening regulations on Short-Term Student visas, which are issued for English language courses lasting between six and eleven months. Authorities have raised concerns that individuals are exploiting this route without a genuine intent to study.

To prevent misuse, the government will implement stricter monitoring measures, ensuring that the visa is used for its intended purpose.

Key Takeaways

• Prioritization of Domestic Talent: Care providers must prioritise hiring from within the UK before sponsoring new workers from overseas.
• Protection Against Exploitation: Companies are banned from charging workers for sponsorship costs.
• Increased Minimum Salary: The minimum salary for Skilled Worker visas increases to £25,000 per year (£12.82 per hour) from April 9.
• Tighter Student Visa Rules: Measures are being taken to prevent abuse of the Short-Term Student visa route.

Final Thoughts

The UK government continues to refine its immigration policies to curb visa misuse while ensuring fair opportunities for foreign workers. With stricter recruitment rules for care providers, increased salary thresholds, and tighter controls on student visas, these measures aim to balance labor market needs with immigration control.

For more updates on UK visa regulations and work opportunities, stay tuned to our latest travel news.

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