The UK government has announced new immigration rules for the Skilled Worker visa, aiming to ensure fair pay and prevent exploitation. The rules, effective April 9, require employers in England to prioritize recruiting international care workers already in the country, seeking new sponsorship, before hiring from overseas.
The new rules introduce a minimum salary threshold of £25,000 per year, or £12.82 per hour, based on a 37.5-hour working week. This update reflects the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Health and education occupations, including doctors, nurses, and teachers, will also see their minimum rates increased to reflect the latest national pay scales.
The government is cracking down on employers who abuse the visa system, barring those who repeatedly break immigration or employment laws from hiring overseas workers. Over 470 sponsor licenses in the care sector have been revoked since July 2022, affecting over 39,000 workers.
The government is also introducing changes to the Short-Term Student route, designed for those studying English language courses in the UK. The visa is being abused by those without a genuine intention to study or leave the UK after their course. The changes aim to reduce the potential for abuse on the Student and Graduate visa routes.
Important Points:
- Minimum Salary: £25,000 per year, or £12.82 per hour, based on a 37.5-hour working week.
- Priority Recruitment: Employers must prioritize recruiting international care workers already in the UK, seeking new sponsorship.
- Crackdown on Abuse: Employers who abuse the visa system will be barred from hiring overseas workers.
- Changes to Short-Term Student Route: The government is introducing changes to prevent abuse of the Short-Term Student route.
These changes demonstrate the UK government’s commitment to ensuring fair pay and preventing exploitation in the immigration system.
