The British government announced an increase in Al-Rehab’s minimum requirements for obtaining a skilled worker visa, as several international media outlets reported today.
Skilled worker visa in Britain
According to several global agencies, the United Kingdom has raised the minimum salary requirement for a skilled worker visa from £18,600 to £38,700.
The decision applies to applications submitted after April 4
News indicates that this new decision by the United Kingdom applies to applications submitted during the period after April 4, 2024 - while the lower requirements will remain in effect for students submitted before April 4.
The government also noted that for residents under the age of 2 years, as well as foreign international students and recent graduates, who are undergoing vocational training, the salary requirements are set at 70% of the lower market price for the job.
Reducing immigration and protecting British workers
While the minimum salary is 23,200 pounds sterling annually, for its part, the British government has defended the new visa policies, through which it aims to limit immigration and protect British workers from exposure to cheap foreign labor.
For his part, James Cleverly, the UK Home Secretary, stressed that it is necessary to stop the influx of cheap foreign labour, saying that immigration is unsustainable and unfair because it undermines British workers.
Cleverly added that the government will, in the coming period, redirect the immigration system to attract the most skilled individuals needed for the economy while reducing the overall numbers.
Raising the minimum wage
The UK government is still adhering to its position to raise the minimum wage during the coming period, adding that the minimum wage is scheduled to rise again and completely during the year 2025.
According to recent data released, the net annual number of immigrants to Britain has reached a record high compared to last year, reaching 745,000 immigrants, specifically from China, India, and Nigeria.