The UK government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the Conservative Party, has introduced a series of measures aimed at reducing net migration. As part of these changes, individuals applying for working visas will now need to have a minimum annual income of £38,700 (GH¢587,578), a significant increase from the previous requirement of £26,000 (GH¢393,444). The goal is to decrease annual immigration by 300,000 in the upcoming years, although a specific timeline for achieving this was not provided.
Home Secretary James Cleverly presented these measures, which also include restrictions on overseas care workers, preventing them from bringing family dependents. Additionally, the government plans to eliminate the 20 percent salary discount that recruiting firms could offer workers on the shortage occupation list.
James Cleverly stated, “The British people will always do the right thing by those in need. However, they also, and rightly so, aim to reduce overall immigration numbers through not only stopping illegal routes but also a well-managed reduction in legal migration.”
Recent statistics from the UK Office for National Statistics revealed a net influx of 672,000 people in the year ending June, prompting the Prime Minister to address immigration concerns. With a crucial general election on the horizon, these measures are perceived as part of a strategy to manage immigration numbers and appeal to voters.
Immigration is too high.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) December 4, 2023
Today we’re taking radical action to bring it down.
These steps will make sure that immigration always benefits the UK. pic.twitter.com/osz7AmcRgY
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