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By Tahir
- In Blog
As we step into the new year, changes in immigration laws are reshaping the landscape for
both employers and skilled workers in the United Kingdom. In this blog post, we’ll unravel
the significant updates, addressing key reforms, visa alterations, and regulatory shifts that
will impact Tier 2 skilled workers, employers, and the broader immigration framework.
Tier 2 Skilled Worker Visas: A Salary Threshold Surge
The most noteworthy change on the horizon is the substantial increase in the salary
threshold for Tier 2 skilled worker visas. Set to rise from £26,200 to £38,700, this nearly 50%
hike poses financial considerations for both employers and skilled workers alike. It’s
essential for sponsors to factor this change into budgeting and planning for the year ahead.
Reform of Shortage Occupation List (SOL): The Emergence of the Immigration Salary List
In tandem with the salary threshold increase, the government proposes replacing the
Shortage Occupation List (SOL) with a more streamlined Immigration Salary List. While it
retains a general threshold discount, the exact discount percentage is yet to be revealed.
This reform will impact employers relying on the current 20% salary discount under the
existing list.
Health and Care Worker Visas: Changes to Dependents and Sponsorship Criteria
Overseas health and care workers will face new restrictions as they will no longer be
allowed to bring dependants to the UK. Additionally, care businesses seeking sponsorship
via this visa route will only qualify if they are regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
Family Visas: Incremental Salary Threshold Increase
For settled individuals in the UK wanting family members to join them, the minimum income
requirement is set to increase incrementally from £18,600 to £38,700. This phased increase
starts with a raise to £29,000 in Spring 2024.
Graduate Visas: Anticipated Changes Following MAC Review
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is set to conduct a review of Graduate visas,
reflecting ongoing adjustments to immigration policies. As of January 1, 2024, individuals on
student visas are no longer permitted to bring dependants.
Increase in Civil Penalties: A Stronger Stance Against Illegal Workers
Beginning February 13, 2024, civil penalties for businesses employing illegal workers will
triple to £45,000 for a first breach and £60,000 for any subsequent breach within a three-
year period. Employers must review their immigration and right-to-work processes to
ensure compliance.
Transition to eVisas: Embracing Digitalization
In a move toward a fully digital visa system, the Home Office aims to implement eVisas by
January 1, 2025. This transition will eliminate the issuance of physical documents as
evidence of limited and indefinite leave to enter or remain.
Removal of Sponsor Licence Renewal Requirement: Streamlining Processes
Effective April 6, 2024, the requirement for employers to renew their sponsor licence will be
eliminated. While licenses due to expire before this date must undergo the usual renewal
process, those expiring on or after April 6, 2024, will no longer require renewal.
A New Year Sponsor Licence Check-Up: Key Considerations for Employers
As the new year unfolds, employers should conduct a thorough sponsor licence check-up,
considering:
- Annual renewal of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Licence renewal, noting the removal of the renewal requirement for licenses expiring
on or after April 6, 2024. - Recruitment needs, factoring in the time and costs of sponsorship.
- Key personnel roles and their availability for sponsor compliance duties.
- Visa expiry dates and renewal processes for sponsored migrants.
- Confirmation of sponsored migrants' contact details and anticipated changes.
- Reporting corporate changes such as address, ownership, and TUPE transfers.
The evolving immigration landscape in 2024 introduces a series of changes that will impact
Tier 2 skilled workers, employers, and the broader framework of the UK immigration
system. As stakeholders adapt to these reforms, staying informed and proactively
addressing compliance duties will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of the
evolving immigration landscape