The UK government has announced a series of strict new immigration measures as the number of migrants entering the country continues to fall.
The moves come as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to take back control of the UK’s borders in the wake of Brexit.
Key Policy Changes Include:
- Salary Threshold Increase: Skilled migrants will need to earn at least £25,600 to qualify for a visa, up from the current £21,000.
- Seasonal Worker Scheme Expansion: The number of temporary visas for agricultural workers will increase from 2,500 to 10,000.
- Student Visa Restrictions: International students will only be able to stay in the UK for 2 years after graduation instead of the current 4 years.
- NHS Surcharge Hike: The immigration health surcharge, which migrants pay to access the NHS, will increase from £400 to £624 per year.
Home Secretary Priti Patel stated that the changes will allow Britain to “attract the best and brightest global talent” while also “reducing the levels of people coming to the UK with low skills”.
The government hopes these measures will help the UK shift towards a more “high-skill, high-wage” economy post-Brexit.
Migrant Numbers See Sharp Decline
The tougher stance on immigration comes as official statistics show a significant drop in net migration to the UK.
In the year ending March 2020, net migration fell to 313,000, down from 331,000 the previous year.
This represents the lowest level since 2013.The decline is largely attributed to a decrease in the number of EU citizens coming to the UK for work in the lead up to Brexit.
In the first quarter of 2020, only 58,000 EU nationals arrived in the UK with a “definite job”, a 45% decrease from the same period in 2019.
COVID-19 travel restrictions have also played a role in the falling numbers. Home Office figures show a 97% drop in passenger arrivals in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the previous year.
Criticism and Concerns
While the government touts the immigration changes as necessary for protecting British jobs and wages, critics argue they could harm key sectors that rely on migrant workers.
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) warned that the new policies “will hamper firms’ ability to hire the talent they need to grow”.
They particularly highlighted potential staff shortages in industries like hospitality, construction, and social care.
The Royal College of Nursing also expressed concerns, stating that the salary threshold increase could exacerbate the NHS nursing shortage. Currently, the average starting salary for a nurse is around £24,000, below the new £25,600 requirement.
Migrant rights groups have slammed the changes as well, calling them “cruel” and “counterproductive”.
They argue the measures will make it harder for families to reunite and force more migrants into exploitative working conditions.
Looking Ahead
As the UK moves forward with its post-Brexit immigration system, it remains to be seen how the new policies will impact the economy and society.
Much will depend on the government’s ability to strike a balance between controlling migration and meeting the country’s labor needs.
For now, falling migrant numbers suggest the UK is well on its way to meeting its goal of reducing overall immigration. But critics warn that pursuing this aim too aggressively could come at a steep cost.
Interested in working in the UK?
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Contact your university for more information on post-study work opportunities.
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