UK immigration services: Taylor Hampton update

 

Over the past year, the number of overseas workers, students, and families applying for UK Visas dropped significantly. In fact, it fell by a third. This decline follows new UK immigration services introduced by the Conservative government. These have placed stricter limitations on who can bring family members to the UK. As a result, the number of migrants and their family members seeking visas fell from around 141,000 in July 2023 to 91,000 last month.

One of the most significant impacts on UK immigration services has been ­on health and social care workers. Applications for visas in this category plummeted by 80%, with only 2,900 people applying last month. This is a blunt change from previous years when the UK relied heavily on international recruits to fill gaps in its healthcare system.

How does the Government defend immigration control?

The government defends its policies, emphasizing the importance of controlling immigration. A Home Office spokesperson previously said that while immigration brings “many benefits to the UK,” it must be “controlled and delivered through a fair system.” They also stressed the need to further develop the domestic workforce. Particularly, this applies in sectors facing skills shortages, such as health and social care.

However, some industry leaders are raising their hands. Nadra Ahmed, co-chairman of the National Care Association, showed concerns that the new rules are making it harder to keep international staff in the workforce. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, she noted that some workers are returning home or moving to countries with more welcoming immigration policies. Additionally, Ahmed highlighted the ongoing challenges in recruiting a domestic workforce willing to take on care roles, warning that vacancies in the sector could reach unsustainable levels in the coming years.

What is the effect on Universities?

Universities are also feeling the pressure related to UK immigration services. The dip in international students applying for visas could worsen financial difficulties for many institutions. The Migration Observatory suggested that the decline in student visa applications may be influenced by factors specific to certain countries, such as the Nigerian currency crisis. However, the broader impact of the government’s efforts to curb immigration is also likely playing a role.

The push to reduce immigration follows record-high numbers in recent years. In 2022, legal net migration to the UK soared to 764,000. Although it fell by 10% the following year, experts at the Office for National Statistics caution that it is too early to tell if this marks the start of a downward trend.

The current situation contrasts sharply with 2021 when the UK relaxed immigration rules for care workers to address recruitment challenges post-Brexit. However, just two years later, the government reversed course. Former Home Secretary James Cleverly announced that care workers would no longer be allowed to bring family members to the UK. This decision was part of a broader strategy to reduce net migration numbers, which included a ban on most overseas students bringing dependents. This ban was significant, as visas given to student dependents had skyrocketed from around 16,000 in 2019 to 135,000 in 2022.

Minimum salary requirements for overseas workers

In addition to these restrictions, the government has raised the minimum salary required for skilled overseas workers to come to the UK. The threshold has increased from £26,200 to £38,700. To qualify as a skilled worker, applicants must gather 70 points under the points-based system introduced in 2020. Points are awarded based on various factors, including job offers in sectors with shortages and advanced qualifications like a PhD.

The Migration Observatory has noted that, so far, the Home Office’s data does not show a clear impact from the higher salary threshold. However, the government continues to push for tighter controls. A proposal to raise the salary needed to bring family members to the UK from £18,600 to £38,700 faced backlash. In response, the government lowered the threshold to £29,000, with plans for further increases in the future.

The Labour government, led by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, has decided to keep the threshold at £29,000. Albeit, pending a review by the Migration Advisory Committee. This move implies that immigration policy will remain a key issue in the UK for the foreseeable future. This puts the previously stated industries at risk of vaporization, for an already struggling economy due to inflation.  Therefore, here in the UK,  these new sets of rules cannot help its situation.

How do I find out more?

For more information on UK immigration services contact our head of immigration: Leena Chouhan on 02074275972

If you would like information on our Australian migration which is also managed by Taylor Hampton Solicitors click HERE.