Skilled Workers – Changes

“Immigration to the UK are largely students and healthcare workers…these visas will be restrictive – But Why?”

Immigration to the UK matters, we need specialist workers, we need our broken NHS System to work, we need our broken Immigration System to stop illegal migration, its is understood the government is considering some new measures, including:

1. Limiting to one the number of relatives that health and social care workers are allowed to bring with them
2. Raising the minimum salary threshold for work visas
3. And abolishing the system allowing employers to pay less where there are recognised shortages

Downing Street said any next steps needed to be carefully considered.

The implementation of measures to cut legal migration will vary significantly in the next 5 years in the UK., and policies will be influenced by a range of factors such as economic conditions, political considerations, and public opinion. Some common measures that the UK governments might consider to limit legal migration include:

Tightening Eligibility Criteria: UK Government is going make the criteria for obtaining skilled work visas or other forms of legal migration more stringent. This might include raising educational or professional requirements, limiting the types of occupations eligible for visas, or introducing stricter language proficiency standards.

Reducing Quotas: UK Government is going to drastically lower the overall quotas for certain visa categories, such as caseworkers, in limiting these number of individuals allowed to migrate legally each year, the plan it to bring net migration down. This approach is often used to control the total number of immigrants entering a country.

Reviewing Family Reunification Policies: The UK Government will reevaluate family reunification policies, making it more difficult for family members to join immigrants who are already residing legally in the country. This can be achieved through stricter eligibility requirements or longer waiting periods.

Implementing Temporary Measures: The UK Governments might introduce temporary measures to restrict legal migration during specific periods or in response to particular circumstances. These measures could include the suspension of certain visa programs or the introduction of additional screening processes, however Student  visa holders currently unless undertaking PHDs cannot bring family members.

Economic and Labor Market Tests: The Home Office will require employers to demonstrate that they have tried to fill job vacancies with local workers before hiring foreign workers. This might involve advertising job positions locally and proving that there are no qualified local candidates available, bringing an end to the COVID discretion of shortage occupation lists including roles such as care workers, were there has been abuse of influx of these types of workers where the work does not exist..  

Increasing Fees and Costs: The Government, in October 2023 raised the fees associated with visa applications or other aspects of the immigration process. Higher costs can act as a deterrent for potential migrants, however the Government will look to increasing Skill Surcharges, to ensure employers only recruit responsibly.

Policy Reviews and Reforms: Periodic reviews of immigration policies can lead to reforms aimed at reducing legal migration. Governments may conduct comprehensive assessments of their immigration systems and make adjustments to align with changing economic, social, or political priorities.

Why does Net Migration Matter?

The term “net migration” refers to the difference between the number of people coming to live in the UK and the number of people leaving to live elsewhere. The UK has experienced fluctuations in net migration over the years, influenced by various factors, including changes in immigration policies, economic conditions, and global events.

Key points related to net migration in the UK:

Government Policies: The UK government has historically implemented changes to immigration policies, affecting both skilled and unskilled migration. Policies have aimed to control overall migration numbers, address labor market needs, and respond to public concerns.

Brexit Impact: The UK’s decision to leave the European Union (Brexit) has had a significant impact on migration. The end of the free movement of people between the UK and the EU has led to changes in immigration rules and procedures for both EU and non-EU nationals.

Economic Factors: Economic conditions, including employment opportunities and economic growth, can influence migration patterns. During periods of economic growth, there may be an increase in skilled migration, while economic downturns might see a reduction.

Global Events: Global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can have a profound impact on migration patterns. Travel restrictions, health concerns, and economic uncertainties can affect both immigration and emigration.

Public Debate: Migration is often a topic of public debate in the UK, with discussions around the impact of immigration on the economy, public services, and cultural aspects. Public sentiment can influence government policies on immigration.

My Skilled Workers Visa Has Been Terminated, What Are My Rights?

Contact us immediately to obtain FREE SKILLED WORKERS ADVICE, but if your skilled worker visa has been terminated, it’s essential to take prompt action to address the situation.

Here are some general steps you may consider:

Understand the Reason for Termination: Find out the specific reason for the termination of your skilled worker visa. It could be due to a violation of visa conditions, changes in your employment status, or other reasons.

Review Your Visa Conditions: Revisit the terms and conditions of your skilled worker visa. Understand the obligations and responsibilities associated with the visa to determine whether there has been any non-compliance.

Consult Your Employer : If you were employed when your visa was terminated, consult with your employer to understand their perspective on the situation. It’s possible that there may be a misunderstanding or that they can provide insights into the termination.

Seek Legal Advice: Consult with an immigration lawyer or legal advisor who specializes in immigration matters. They can provide guidance based on your specific circumstances and help you understand your options.

Appeal or Challenge the Decision: Depending on the circumstances, you may have the right to appeal the decision or challenge the termination. Your legal advisor can assist you in this process, guiding you through the necessary steps.

Explore Alternatives: Consider whether there are alternative visa options available to you. Some countries offer different types of work visas or permits, and exploring these alternatives with the guidance of a legal professional may be beneficial.

Leave the Country if Required: If your visa has been terminated and you are no longer authorized to stay in the country, you may need to make arrangements to leave promptly. Staying beyond the authorized period could lead to further legal complications.

Comply with Instructions: If there are specific instructions or conditions associated with the termination, make sure to comply with them. Failure to do so could have additional consequences.

Remember that immigration laws and procedures vary by country, so the steps you take will depend on the specific regulations of the country where your skilled worker visa was terminated. Seeking professional legal advice is crucial to navigating this process effectively.

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