The UK government announced stricter visa rules on December 4, 2023, in an attempt to stem the tide of immigration into the country.
A statement issued by the Home Office said the new plan to slash migration levels will deliver the biggest-ever reduction in the country’s net migration.
Interior Secretary James Cleverly said his plan would result in 300,000 fewer people coming to the UK in the coming years.
The news sparked widespread concern about the implications for migration plans to the United Kingdom.
Read also: Three Fintech platforms Nigerian students use abroad
According to the most recent figures from the UK Office of National Statistics, Nigeria is ranked second in terms of non-EU nationalities arriving in the UK in the last year, accounting for 141,000.
Others include Chinese, Pakistani, Ukrainian, and others.
Here are the new visa rules aimed at reducing immigration into the UK:
Minimum salary spike for skilled workers visa
The £26,000 minimum wage criterion has been raised to £38,700 to qualify for a skilled worker visa. This is a 50% rise.
Health and Care Visa
To meet the NHS staffing needs, health and social care visas will be exempt from the new, higher criterion. However, caregivers won’t be permitted to bring their dependents any more.
Shortage Occupation List
According to the government, the occupation shortage list will be reviewed, and the number of occupations on it will be reduced. A “shortage occupation list” is available to assist employers in filling specific roles. These positions have a lower wage requirement, making it easier for candidates to accumulate the points required for a visa. This is about to change due to a new policy eliminating the 20% minimum pay cut previously provided to applicants for visas in shortage occupations.
Canada announces innovative immigration tech talent mechanism for Africans
Family Visa
The minimum amount needed to obtain a family visa will rise from £18,600 to £38,700.
Student Visa
The government has asked the Migration Advisory Committee to review the graduate route. As a result, it is expected that changes to the student visa will be made soon.