In a significant policy reversal, the UK's Labour government has overturned former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's migration policy, bringing welcome relief to many. The controversial plan to raise the family visa income threshold from £29,000 to £38,700 has been halted. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced this change, emphasizing a new approach to legal migration.
Policy shift brings relief
The Labour government has declared that British nationals and permanent residents will no longer need to earn at least ₹41.5 lakh annually to sponsor family members for UK visas. This decision pauses the previously planned increase in the family visa income threshold, initiated under Sunak's administration.
- Previous Threshold: £29,000
- Proposed Increase: £38,700
- Current Status: Halted
Originally set to take effect in 2025, this policy aimed to curb high immigration levels. However, the new administration has called for a review of the family visa policy by the Migration Advisory Committee. Until the review is completed, the current threshold of £29,000 will remain unchanged.
Fresh approach to Migration
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the new government plans to take a different approach to legal migration, focusing on enhancing the skills of the local workforce before turning to foreign labor.
- Review Body: Migration Advisory Committee
- Current Threshold: £29,000
- Policy Focus: Skill enhancement of the local workforce
Cooper highlighted that the rise in legal migration over the past few years indicates broader challenges in addressing labor shortages and other issues within the UK’s labor market.
Indians Lead in visa Sponsorship
According to the UK Home Office, Indians were the second-largest group under the Family Visa category in 2023, with 5,248 visas issued, following Pakistanis and preceding Bangladeshis. Despite the policy reversal, the new Labour government continues to enforce many visa restrictions from the previous Tory administration, including those affecting overseas students and care workers bringing family dependents.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Previous Threshold | £29,000 |
| Proposed Increase | £38,700 |
| Current Status | Halted |
| Focus of New Policy | Enhancing local workforce skills |
| Top Visa Sponsors (2023) | Indians (5,248 visas), Pakistanis, Bangladeshis |
| Ongoing Restrictions | Visa restrictions on students and care workers' dependents |
Reason Behind the Change
The Labour government’s new migration policy aims to ensure the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is used effectively and fairly. Halting the increase in the family visa income threshold is seen as a step towards addressing the root causes of labor market issues rather than just restricting immigration.
- Objective: Fair use of TFWP
- Focus: Addressing labor market issues
Conclusion
The changes in the UK’s family visa income threshold policy mark a significant shift from the previous administration’s approach. By prioritizing skill development within the local workforce and reviewing existing policies, the new government aims to create a balanced and fair immigration system. This policy change offers relief to many potential immigrants, ensuring a thorough and fair review process.
