In a significant move to control immigration and prioritize British workers, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on Monday that the majority of foreign university students would no longer be allowed to bring their family members to the UK.
The decision aligns with the government’s commitment to reducing overall migration levels.
New Rules for Overseas Students
The UK’s Home Office confirmed the enforcement of new regulations, effective immediately. According to the updated guidelines, new overseas students, except postgraduate research or government-funded scholarship students, will no longer have the privilege of bringing family members to the UK.
We are fully committed to seeing a decisive cut in migration.
From today, new overseas students will no longer be able to bring family members to the UK.
Postgraduate research or government-funded scholarships students will be exempt. pic.twitter.com/QpwEf9BCfj— Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) January 1, 2024Advertisement
Changes in Immigration Rules
Last July, the Sunak government introduced changes to the Immigration Rules impacting international students in the UK.
Starting January 2024, international students will be prohibited from bringing dependants on their Student visa, except for those enrolled in postgraduate research programs.
Additionally, since July 17 last year, international students are no longer allowed to switch to work route visas unless they have completed their courses.
Government’s Commitment to Immigration Reduction
Prime Minister Sunak emphasized his government’s commitment to reducing immigration levels, stating that steps were being taken to ensure immigration always benefits the UK.
The ban on overseas students bringing families, unless on postgraduate research degrees, is part of this strategy, along with the elimination of 20 per cent salary discounts for shortage occupations.
Immigration is too high.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) December 4, 2023
Today we’re taking radical action to bring it down.
These steps will make sure that immigration always benefits the UK. pic.twitter.com/osz7AmcRgY
Comprehensive Plan to Slash Migration
In December 2023, UK Home Secretary James Cleverly unveiled a comprehensive plan to significantly reduce migration levels and curb abuse of the immigration system.
This plan, the largest-ever reduction in net migration, is estimated to prevent around 300,000 people who arrived in the UK last year from entering.
The Home Office detailed that the package includes measures to reduce the number of dependants entering the UK, increase minimum salaries for overseas workers and British sponsors, and combat exploitation within the immigration system.
Economic Impact and Salary Thresholds
Acknowledging the contribution of overseas workers, the government plans to increase the earning threshold for overseas workers by nearly 50 per cent, from £26,200 to £38,700, starting next spring.
This move aims to encourage businesses to prioritize British talent and invest in their workforce, thereby reducing reliance on migration.
Moreover, the government will raise the minimum income required for British citizens and settled individuals wishing to bring their family members to the UK.
Addressing Visa Issuance Trends
The Home Office highlighted that workers and their dependents constituted a significant portion of visa issuances, with Skilled Workers and Health and Care Worker visas representing 63 per cent of work grants.
The proportion of work-related visas granted to dependants rose to 43 per cent in the year ending September 2023.
In conclusion, the UK government’s latest measures underscore its commitment to a more controlled immigration system, aiming to strike a balance between welcoming talent and ensuring the well-being of British workers.
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