Britain announces stricter visa norms to reduce migration

Rishi Sunak’s government raised the salary requirement for people applying to live in the UK, one of a series of measures designed to show voters his ruling Conservative Party has a plan to deliver on its pledge to reduce net migration ahead of a general election expected next year. It’s not that complicated,” John Hayes, an ally of former Home Secretary Suella Braverman and an advocate of tougher immigration measures, told the BBC ahead of Cleverly’s statement. Also included in Cleverly’s plans: Care companies will require more regulation to sponsor visas Annual immigration health surcharge to rise by 66% to £1,035 The government will reduce the number of occupations on the shortage list Family visas only eligible for higher earners The UK will review its graduate route to visas to avoid overstaying The opposition Labour Party responded that many of the measures Cleverly announced were reversing policies introduced by the Conservatives, including the shortage occupation salary discount. Cleverly told lawmakers the government doesn’t expect the new rule to create a staff shortage in the sector, suggesting data shows applications will shift to people without dependents.