UK Raises Minimum Wage For Skilled Worker Visa Holders to £38,700.

By Caroline Ameh

The United Kingdom government has announced a significant increase in the minimum salary threshold for individuals entering the country on a Skilled Worker visa, raising it from £26,200 to £38,700.
This is aimed at curbing migration and prioritizing British workers, Home Secretary James Cleverly stated that the 48% increase in the minimum wage seeks to deter the undercutting of local employees by employers seeking to hire cheaper labor from overseas.

The adjustment, effective immediately, is expected to reduce migration levels and safeguard British jobs. Businesses in the UK are now mandated to offer substantially higher wages to foreign workers arriving on Skilled Worker visas.

This initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to reform the immigration system, ensuring that it focuses on attracting highly skilled individuals while simultaneously reducing overall migration figures. As a part of this strategy, the shortage occupation list has been abolished, preventing employers from paying migrants less than their British counterparts in occupations facing shortages.

A new Immigration Salary List (ISL) has been established based on recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). Roles included in the list must meet specific criteria, emphasizing skill scarcity and the necessity of including them in light of efforts to invest in the domestic workforce. The government encourages employers to prioritize training, upskilling, and hiring local workers.

The announcement coincides with the government’s efforts to support British citizens in securing employment opportunities through the £2.5 billion Back to Work plan. Home Secretary Cleverly reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing the interests of British workers and reducing immigration numbers.

Previous reforms to reduce migration include restrictions on postgraduate students bringing dependents to the UK and limiting family members accompanying care workers. Additionally, a review of the Graduate route for international students has been commissioned to prevent abuse and ensure its alignment with UK interests.

Furthermore, the government plans to incrementally raise the minimum income requirement for Family visas to £38,700 by early 2025 to provide financial support for dependents entering the UK.

The government’s efforts to combat illegal migration have also yielded results, with a significant reduction in small boat crossings last year. Measures to address illegal migration involve collaboration with international partners and intensified enforcement against criminal networks facilitating unlawful entry.