On 4 December 2023, the U.K. Home Secretary announced a five-point plan to reduce net migration to the United Kingdom. One of the key drivers for this is the intention to reduce net migration levels (which were at a record level this past year). The announcement is also driven by the government’s prioritisation of the plan to increase the domestic workforce through its “Back to Work Plan.” Home Secretary James Cleverly stated: “My plan will deliver the biggest ever reduction in net migration and will mean around 300,000 people who came to the UK last year would not have been able to do so. I am taking decisive action to halt the drastic rise in our work visa routes and crack down on those who seek to take advantage of our hospitality.”1
The measures which are due to take effect in Spring 2024 include for example: an increase in the minimum general salary for occupations under the Skilled Worker route; eliminating the ability for Health and Social Care Visa Workers to bring dependants to the U.K.; removing the salary discount for occupations on the Shortage Occupation List; and increasing the financial requirements for those applying for family visas.