UK announces package of measures to tighten immigration

The UK has announced new measures, including those affecting skilled labor, to reduce the number of immigrants arriving in the country through legal channels.

According to the new rules announced by Home Secretary James Cleverly, the annual salary threshold for foreign skilled workers to be eligible to work in the country has been raised from 33,164 dollars to 48,900 dollars. Changes will also be made to the list of occupations where exemptions are applied due to labor shortages.

Under the new rules, it is also becoming more difficult for foreign nationals settling in the UK to bring their family members with them under family reunification provisions. Mandatory health insurance surcharges are also being increased by two-thirds, rising to over 1,200 dollars.

Cleverly: Number of arrivals will decrease by 300,000 per year

Home Secretary Cleverly stated that immigration to the country is at excessively high levels and must be reduced, saying, "Today, we are taking stronger action than any government has ever taken before. This package of measures will come into effect starting next spring."

Cleverly said that with this package and the restriction on the regulation allowing students to bring their immediate family members with them for the duration of their stay in the UK, the number of people arriving in the country will decrease by approximately 300,000 per year.

The fact that the number of immigrants arriving in the country hit a record 745,000 in 2022 and has remained at high levels this year had increased the pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government.

The measures announced by the government are expected to spark new debates with the business world. Access to skilled labor had already become difficult for the business sector following the end of free movement after the UK's departure from the EU.

Rwanda formula against irregular migration

The UK had also taken action to prevent illegal migration to the country via the English Channel, but the controversial agreement signed with Rwanda was blocked by the Supreme Court. The agreement stipulated that individuals attempting to enter the country illegally, regardless of their nationality, would be deported to Rwanda and would have to file their asylum applications there.

Following the court ruling, the government aims to overcome the legal obstacle by making some changes to the agreement. Home Secretary Cleverly is scheduled to visit Rwanda shortly for this purpose.