The UK government’s recent announcement regarding changes to skilled worker visas has sparked significant debate, particularly in light of rising asylum claims and the ongoing challenges in the immigration system.
On March 12, 2025, the Home Office published a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, which will come into effect on April 9, 2025. This update includes critical amendments to visa routes, particularly affecting care workers and the minimum salary thresholds for skilled workers.
One of the most notable changes is the increase in the minimum salary threshold for skilled workers from 23200 to 25000 euros per year or 12.82 euros per hour. This adjustment aims to reflect current wage data from the Office for National Statistics and ensure that salaries remain above the National Living Wage, which will also increase in April 2025.
The government has stated that this measure is part of a routine update but has faced criticism for imposing higher barriers for potential migrants amid labour shortages in various sectors.
In addition to salary adjustments, new rules will require employers in England’s care sector to prioritize hiring existing care workers in the UK before seeking recruits from abroad. This change is designed to address concerns over exploitation and inadequate working conditions faced by many care workers who have previously entered the UK under sponsorship agreements.
The government acknowledges that many workers have encountered poor pay and insufficient working hours, often exacerbated by their dependency on their sponsors for employment.
The increase in asylum claims has also influenced these policy changes. For instance, nationals from Trinidad and Tobago will now require a visa before entering the UK due to a tenfold increase in asylum applications from this group over recent years. The government argues that these sticker entry controls are necessary to prevent misuse of the immigration system.
Critics of the new immigration rules argue that while they aim to protect existing workers, they may inadvertently limit opportunities for skilled migrants who could contribute significantly to sectors facing labour shortages.
The proposed 38,700 euro salary threshold for certain skilled migrant workers further complicates this issue, as it could deter potential applicants from labour-intensive industries.
In summary, while the UK government asserts that these changes are vital for improving border security and addressing labour market needs, stakeholders express concern over taking effect; it remains crucial for employers and prospective migrants to stay informed about the evolving immigration landscape and its implications for workforce dynamics in the UK.