Under increasing pressure to address soaring net migration figures, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has unveiled a series of stringent measures aimed at restricting the entry of migrants through legal channels.
In response to the alarming annual net migration of 745,000 in 2022, a figure that has raised concerns about its impact on various sectors, including healthcare and the persistently tight labor market, Sunak stressed the necessity for “radical action” to reduce immigration levels.
Key measures to reduce migration include a substantial hike in the minimum salary threshold for foreign skilled workers, increasing it from the current £26,200 ($33,000) to £38,700 (approximately $49,000). Notably, health and social workers would be exempt from this adjustment.
Home Secretary James Cleverly estimated that these measures could potentially lead to a reduction in net migration by 300,000. Additionally, the government plans to prohibit foreign health workers from bringing in family members on their visas, raise the surcharge migrants pay for using the health service by 66%, and elevate the minimum income requirement for family visas.
While the government asserts that these measures aim to prioritize British workers and prevent immigration from undermining their salaries, businesses and trade unions have voiced concerns. Critics argue that the reforms might worsen labor shortages, especially in sectors already facing recruitment challenges.
The proposed abolition of the shortage occupations list, a crucial avenue for businesses to hire migrant workers in sectors with severe staff shortages, has sparked further debate. Trade unions, including UNISON, the primary health sector union, warn of a “total disaster” for the health service, predicting that migrants might choose more welcoming countries.
Despite the government’s intent to address immigration concerns, skepticism persists. Some studies suggest that foreign workers have a minimal impact on overall wage and employment levels. The acute shortage of candidates to fill vacancies remains a significant challenge for businesses.
As the UK embarks on this immigration overhaul, controversies loom, particularly concerning potential fallout for businesses and essential services like healthcare. The government’s commitment to reviewing the list of shortage occupations and eliminating the practice of paying migrants less than the going rate for jobs with labor shortages adds another layer to the unfolding reforms.
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