I welcome that the Government is taking decisive action to curb the levels of legal migration. The steps being taken will ensure that immigration always benefits the UK, while ensuring that the NHS and the country's most innovative businesses always have access to the talent they need to succeed. 

As such, the Government has taken the decision to increase salary thresholds for skilled workers by 48 per cent to £38,700, in line with the median full-time wage for equivalent jobs. The current general salary threshold is £26,200. I understand that the increase will take place from March.

However,  those coming in on the Health and Social Care visa route will exempted so that the country can continue to bring the healthcare workers that the care sector and the NHS need. If these new rules were in place, they could have prevented over 10,000 individuals and their dependants coming to the UK in the year to September 2023. In future, this will mean that employers are not incentivised to undercut UK workers with cheaper overseas workers and instead invest in the skills of the domestic workforce. 

Retrospective Application

I understand that the new rules concerning the uplifted salary threshold will not be applied retrospectively. As such, current EU nationals on work visas who are in gainful employment (but earning below the new threshold) will not have their visas revoked. 

Spousal/ Partner Visa 

I understand that constituents have been concerned about extending their spouse/partner visa after spring 2024. I am aware that the Home Office has now said that it will raise the minimum income for family visas incrementally, in stages, to help give predictability for families. In spring 2024 the threshold to bring over family members will increase to £29,000 rather than £38,700. I understand that further increases will take place gradually over a longer period of time. 

I hope this information helps to clarify the steps the Government is taking.