Under new leadership, the United Kingdom (UK) announced that it would pause the pending family visa salary hike.
The salary threshold for family visas is the minimum income a UK resident must earn to bring their spouse or partner to the UK.
In April, the British government raised the annual family visa salary or minimum income requirement (MIR) from £18,600 to £29,000.
It is still set to increase again to £38,700 by early 2025. This is to match the same yearly salary threshold of a skilled worker.
The planned family visa salary hike will now be put on hold until the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has completed its review, as per a report by The Standard.
This move comes amidst considerable debate and public concern about the impact of raising the family visa salary threshold.
No reversal for new legal immigration policies
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated in a letter to Parliament that the legal migration policy changes implemented early this year will not be overturned.
This includes increasing the salary threshold for skilled workers and banning health and care workers from bringing dependants to the UK, among others.
She said the Labour government supports these changes and will continue implementing them.
However, Copper also announced that there will be “no further changes” to the current family visa yearly salary threshold.
This means the MIR for a UK citizen to bring a spouse to the UK will remain at £29,000.
The Labour Party had planned to ask the MAC to investigate the effects of the government’s new legal migration policies.
Particularly, the MAC will look into preventing migrant workers from bringing their families to the UK and increasing salary thresholds.
Cooper confirmed it will ask the independent public body to review the family visa salary hike.
She said the rules “need to balance a respect for family life” and “ensuring the economic wellbeing of the UK.”
The MAC’s review will consider various factors, including economic implications, the impact on families, and integration outcomes.
This comprehensive approach ensures that any policy changes will be well-founded and balanced.
The rationale behind the family visa salary hike
The family visa salary hike is part of broader efforts by the Conservative government to reduce net migration.
The aim is to ensure that those coming to the UK can support themselves and their families without relying on public funds.
The family visa salary hike has sparked significant debate among politicians, advocacy groups, and the public.
Many argue that it could lead to family separations and hardship for those who cannot meet the higher threshold.
Reunite Families UK (RFUK) challenged the decision in the High Court, claiming that it violates a child’s rights as it separates the child from a parent living outside the UK.
The significant increase in MIR could negatively impact many families, particularly those with lower incomes.
A UK Lords Committee also pointed out that it disproportionately affects certain communities and industries where salaries are typically lower.
Conversely, some conservatives argue that the increase is necessary to control immigration and ensure that migrants contribute economically.
They believe the pause to wait for the MAC review is a prudent step to address concerns while aiming for tighter immigration controls.
Family visa salary hike’s broader implications
Family visa requirements are part of a more extensive discussion on immigration policy in the UK.
The Home Secretary criticized the previous Conservative government for failing to address skills shortages and other labor market issues.
This resulted in a surge in the number of non-EU long-term migration and work visas issued by the UK.
Cooper emphasized the need for a new approach that connects migration policy with skills and labor market strategies.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson unveiled a new government body, Skills England.
Skills England aims to address skill gaps and create better job opportunities for the UK workforce.
It aims to identify skill shortages and develop training programs to prepare local workers to reduce reliance on migrant workers.
It will also focus on aligning the skills system with industry needs. This will provide young Brits with access to relevant training and opportunities.
The government aims to manage migration to benefit the UK economy while addressing public concerns about immigration levels.
What’s next for those who want to bring a partner to the UK
The MAC review will take several months, during which time the family visa salary will remain at £29,000.
The Home Secretary has assured that there will be no changes until the review is done and its findings are thoroughly considered.
It remains to be seen whether the family visa salary hike set for early 2025 will push through.
Many will eagerly await the outcome of the MAC review, as it will shape the future of family visas and immigration policy in the UK.