UK lifts N80 million income requirement for Family Visa applicants.

The UK government has decided to postpone the implementation of the planned increase in the family visa income threshold from £29,000 to £38,700, approximately N80 million.

This policy change, originally set to be enforced in 2025, was introduced earlier this year by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to address rising immigration levels. However, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced that the implementation of the new income threshold will be suspended until a thorough review of the family visa policy is conducted by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).

During the review process, the current income threshold of £29,000 will remain in effect, and no further adjustments to the policy will be made until the independent assessment is completed. The UK government has tasked the MAC with assessing the impact of limiting migrant workers from bringing their family members to the UK and the potential consequences of raising wage thresholds. Under Cooper’s leadership, the new administration aims to reevaluate its approach to legal migration, focusing on enhancing the skills of the domestic workforce before turning to foreign recruitment.

Cooper expressed concerns about the recent rise in legal migration levels, pointing out that it reflects shortcomings in addressing labor market shortages. Non-EU long-term migration numbers surged from 277,000 in the year up to December 2022 to 423,000 in the year up to December 2023. The government’s new approach aims to align migration policies and visa controls with skills and labor market strategies to ensure that immigration is not used as a substitute for training or addressing workforce challenges within the UK.

Cooper emphasized the importance of linking immigration policy with the local workforce’s skill development to address labor market needs effectively.

Dnews Info

DNews Info is a trusted source for breaking news, insightful commentary, and in-depth coverage of events across Nigeria and beyond. With a commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and engaging stories, we aim to keep our readers informed and empowered. Stay connected for the latest updates in politics, business, entertainment, and more.