Navigating Change: UK's Bold Steps in Immigration Reform

I am writing to share with you the recent announcement by the Home Secretary James Cleverly, unveiling a comprehensive plan to significantly reduce migration levels and address immigration system abuse. This marks a pivotal moment, reflecting the largest-ever reduction in net migration.

?? Stricter Controls for a Balanced Approach The plan includes stricter controls on dependants entering the UK, higher minimum salaries for overseas workers and sponsors, and a crackdown on exploitation within the immigration system. Particularly, the Health and Care visa is being refined to restrict care workers from bringing dependants to the UK, aiming to balance the need for essential healthcare workers while addressing potential exploitation issues.

?? Elevating Salary Thresholds A significant move is the increase in the earning threshold for overseas workers by nearly 50%, effective next spring. This adjustment, from ￡26,200 to ￡38,700, is designed to align salaries with the average full-time earnings for these roles. The goal is clear – to discourage over-reliance on migration and encourage businesses to prioritize British talent, investing in the local workforce.

?? Ending Salary Discounts and Introducing Immigration Salary List To tackle cut-price labor from overseas, the government plans to end the 20% salary discount for shortage occupations and replace the Shortage Occupation List with a new Immigration Salary List. The Migration Advisory Committee will review this list against increased salary thresholds, ensuring a balanced and fair immigration system.

?? Ensuring Integrity in the Graduate Visa Route The plan also includes a review of the Graduate visa route to prevent abuse and ensure alignment with the best interests of the UK. These measures build on actions already taken to address the rise in students bringing dependants to the UK.

?? Prioritizing the Domestic Workforce The government's approach is rooted in prioritizing the domestic workforce through the Back to Work Plan, offering employment-focused support. Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasizes the need to reduce net migration, safeguard British workers, and alleviate strain on public services.

?? Fair Financial Contributions In addition to migration control, migrants will make a financial contribution through an increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge from ￡624 to ￡1,035. These measures aim to address concerns of non-compliance, worker exploitation, and abuse within the adult social care sector.

?? Striking a Balance This plan is aimed to find a delicate balance between attracting necessary healthcare workers and mitigating potential exploitation and non-compliance issues. Exemptions, such as those on the Health and Care visa route being immune to the Skilled Worker visa's salary threshold increase, reflect a commitment to a fair and sustainable immigration system.

?? Moving Forward Together As we navigate these changes, it is crucial to foster a collaborative environment that supports both the needs of the UK and the individuals contributing to its growth. Let's continue working together for a resilient and inclusive future. We are happy to support NHS Hospitals and Private Healthcare organizations to recruit overseas health care assistants and other healthcare skilled workers who are already in UK and meet the new immigration?thresholds.

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