London: The United Kingdom has raised the minimum income requirement for residents wishing to sponsor a family visa. This adjustment is a key element of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s broader strategy to tighten immigration controls.
As per the new regulations, the income threshold for family visa sponsorship has been increased from £18,600 to £29,000, marking an increase of over 55 percent. This figure is set to rise further to £38,700 starting early next year.
These changes will take effect from this Thursday, mandating that British residents meet the revised income guidelines to bring family members into the country.
This policy revision comes at a critical time as the UK gears up for national elections later this year, with immigration emerging as a pivotal issue. Recent polls suggest a challenging outlook for Prime Minister Sunak’s Conservative Party.
The measures are part of a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing illegal immigration and ensuring that immigrants do not place undue financial strain on UK taxpayers. Home Secretary James Cleverly highlighted that easing the challenges posed by increased immigration rates remains a top priority for the government.
Additionally, the UK has recently increased the salary threshold for skilled worker visas to £38,700 annually, up from the previous requirement of £26,200.
The government has also implemented a 66 percent hike in the NHS surcharge for foreign nationals and introduced stricter regulations for student visas, underscoring its commitment to reforming the immigration system.
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