In response to a surge in foreign nationals arriving in the UK, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is poised to raise the minimum salary required for work visa renewals.

The recent influx prompted changes to the legal migration system, requiring Nigerian workers to earn a minimum of £35,000 for visa renewal.

The adjustments, announced on December 4, aim to address concerns about record-breaking annual net migration, which reached 745,000 last year. Facing pressure within the Tory party and anticipating an upcoming election, Sunak aims to significantly reduce net migration. Criticized for failed immigration proposals and a recent Supreme Court ruling, Sunak’s spokesperson emphasized the need for a substantial reduction in migration. The concern is particularly directed at dependents who allegedly do not contribute significantly to the workforce. These statements have raised alarms among business owners already grappling with the aftermath of Brexit. In October, the government’s migration advisor suggested eliminating a key route for businesses to hire migrant workers in sectors experiencing severe staff shortages. Interior Minister James Cleverly is expected to unveil additional measures to curb legal migration and prevent system abuse. The current minimum salary for a skilled worker’s visa is £26,200, with speculation that the new threshold could exceed £35,000. Cleverly, declaring “enough is enough,” outlined plans to achieve the largest-ever reduction in net migration. Care workers, often from Nigeria, will face restrictions on bringing family dependents, and the salary threshold for skilled workers may rise to £38,700. Cleverly’s strategy, unveiled in response to a record-high net migration of 745,000 in 2022, aims to reduce levels by 300,000. The minimum income for family visas will align with the skilled worker threshold. The Unison union warns that these changes could have dire consequences for the NHS and social care, claiming they will exacerbate staff shortages and jeopardize essential services. Unison’s general secretary, Christina McAnea, argues that the government’s approach neglects fundamental issues in social care, urging proper funding and higher wages to make the sector more attractive without relying solely on migrant workers.