Rishi Sunak Implements Stringent Measures to Slash UK Immigration
New Delhi: In a move described as “radical action”, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his government have introduced strict new immigration rules aimed at significantly reducing the number of people allowed into the United Kingdom each year . The measures, taken under pressure from Conservative MPs, are expected to affect around 300,000 individuals, reshaping the landscape of immigration policy.
Sunak stressed the need for change, saying in a social media post, “We have announced the biggest-ever cut to net migration. No prime minister has done this before in history.”
Key measures introduced by Sunak’s government include a ban on dependents entering the UK, a substantial increase in the minimum wage threshold for foreign workers and sponsors, a tightening of health and care visas, a tightening of labor and student affordability cuts , which includes imposing restrictions on dependents.
The government aims to curb asylum seekers entering the UK in large numbers, with a particular focus on reducing migration. The salary range for foreign workers will increase by almost 50%, from £26,200 to £38,700, mirroring a similar increase for British citizens sponsoring family members.
In particular, health and care visas, previously an opportunity for care workers and their dependents, will face restrictions. Overseas care workers can no longer bring dependents to the UK, and care providers will only be able to sponsor migrant workers involved in activities regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
To address the issue of labor price undercutting, the government plans to eliminate the 20% salary discount for occupations in shortage and introduce an immigration salary list reviewed by a migration advisory committee.
According to the Government, these measures collectively reinforce the principle that individuals wishing to live and work in the UK should be self-reliant, contribute to the economy and not be a burden on the state. However, Labour’s home affairs spokesperson, Yvette Cooper, criticized the Conservatives, accusing them of being in a “chaotic panic” over immigration and describing the statement as an admission of years of failure by the Conservative government.
