IMMIGRATION NEWS WEEKLY ROUNDUP - 1st MARCH 2024

This week, the UK government continued its efforts to address migration challenges. The Home Secretary signed a new working arrangement with Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. This framework aims to provide the UK with additional intelligence and capabilities to strengthen security at the borders between the UK and EU. It represents the latest component of the government’s broader strategy to curb illegal migration and target criminal smuggling networks. This strategy has already contributed to a one-third decrease in small boat crossings last year, even as migration numbers rose sharply elsewhere in Europe.

In a major speech in New York, the Home Secretary has spearheaded an international push to reform global migration policies. This represents an ambition to galvanize a unified global response, recognizing that mass migration can only be addressed through collective action and coordination between nations. The Home Secretary will urge the international community to come together in tackling this complex issue.

Additionally, the UK continues to play a leading role in the Global Coalition against Daesh. This coalition of 83 partners is committed to defeating Daesh through military operations, disrupting financing, stemming foreign terrorist fighters, supporting stabilization initiatives, and degrading Daesh's narrative. The UK's involvement exemplifies its commitment to addressing threats beyond its borders.

The UK government's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and association with terrorist activity was recently reaffirmed in the Supreme Court case of Begum v Secretary of State for the Home Department. In this ruling, the UK Supreme Court held that the Secretary of State acted lawfully in denying Shamima Begum entry to the UK to appeal the removal of her British citizenship. Despite being unable to physically appear or give evidence, Ms. Begum chose to proceed with her appeal to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC). This landmark decision underscores the government's unwavering commitment to countering terrorism and barring known extremists from returning to the UK, even when that results in effective exile. The Begum case exemplifies the government's strict enforcement of policies designed to protect national security interests and keep the British public safe from those affiliated with terrorist causes or activities.

On Business Immigration, the long-awaited Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) report on salaries for skilled immigrant workers was published this week. This rapid review provided an initial look at the new Immigration Salary List (ISL) recently announced by the Home Secretary as part of an effort to reduce net migration. The ISL replaces the previous Shortage Occupation List (SOL) and removes the 20% salary discount that was applied to occupations on the SOL.

The MAC review notes that further clarity is still required regarding the purpose and usage of the new ISL. One main benefit of being on the ISL is access to reduced salary thresholds for shortage occupations. However, the minimum salary thresholds across all categories are set to substantially increase in April 2024, as outlined by the Home Secretary in December. For most skilled workers, the threshold will rise from ￡26,200 to ￡38,700. Shortage occupations outside healthcare will increase from ￡20,960 to ￡30,960, while healthcare workers will have a lower threshold of ￡23,200.

The MAC points out these higher general thresholds will essentially render the skilled worker route unattainable for many occupations after the changes take effect. A more comprehensive ISL review will be conducted later this year. According to the Financial Times, MAC chair Professor Brian Bell said the Government needs to further clarify its aims, as the new salary levels will close the visa system to most non-graduate jobs in practice.

HJT’s live Sponsor Licence Masterclass is a timely response to these unfolding developments. Led by our expert Sacha Wooldridge , the course will take the delegates through the most updated Rules and regime whilst also addressing practical elements on acquiring Sponsor Licence, identifying, and applying the correct job specifications and salary codes and maintaining their records for right to work checks.

For more information on the course, click here

Additionally, HJT also brings you live online course on Skilled Workers and Global Mobility routes. The course is an excellent opportunity for Business Immigration advisors assisting clients in seeking to employ overseas talent or establishing their business presence through lucrative routes in the UK. For more information on this course, click here.

For more information on our other courses, click here

For enquiries, contact us [email protected] or call 075441 64692.

For the full list of updates on media news, reported case law and Home Office Policy and other document updates, click here