The UK government has introduced a new points-based immigration system that will take effect from 1 January 2024. The new system aims to attract skilled workers and reduce low-skilled migration, as well as to end free movement of people from the European Union (EU).
Under the new system, anyone who wants to work or study in the UK will need to apply for a visa and meet certain criteria, such as having a job offer from an approved employer, speaking English at a required level, and earning a minimum salary threshold. The points are awarded based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant, as well as the type and level of the job offer.
The UK new five-point plan to reduce immigration as announced by Home Secretary, James Cleverly.
- Care workers will no longer be allowed to come to the UK with dependants.
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NHS surcharge to be increased by 66%.
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Graduate visa route to be reviewed to prevent abuse.
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The minimum salary needed to get a Skilled worker visa to the UK is increasing to $38,700.
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Shortage Occupation list to be reformed, with a reduced number of occupations.
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The new system will also introduce some changes for EU citizens who want to visit, work, or study in the UK. EU citizens who want to stay in the UK for more than six months will need to apply for a visa, unless they have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. EU citizens who want to visit the UK for up to six months will not need a visa, but they will need to have a valid passport and may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds and health insurance.
The new system will not affect Irish citizens, who will continue to have the right to live and work in the UK without a visa. It will also not affect those who already have indefinite leave to remain or enter in the UK, or those who are eligible for British citizenship.
The new system is designed to create a fair and balanced immigration system that supports the UK economy and society, while ensuring that public services and welfare are protected. The government claims that the new system will make it easier for employers to recruit the talent they need, while also encouraging them to invest in training and development of the domestic workforce.
However, some critics argue that the new system will create barriers and bureaucracy for migrants and employers, and that it will not address the labour shortages in some sectors, such as health and social care, hospitality, and agriculture. They also warn that the new system will reduce the diversity and cultural richness of the UK, and that it will harm the UK’s relations with its European neighbors and other countries.
The new rules have been welcomed by some business groups and sectors, such as technology, science, and health care, who say they will help fill skills gaps and boost innovation. However, some critics and opposition parties have raised concerns about the impact of the new rules on sectors that rely on low-skilled workers, such as hospitality, agriculture, and social care. They argue that the new rules will create labour shortages, increase costs, and reduce quality of service.
The new rules are part of the UK’s post-Brexit immigration policy, which aims to end the UK’s reliance on cheap foreign labour and to restore public confidence in the immigration system. The government says the new rules will allow the UK to take back control of its borders and to decide who can come to live and work in the country.
Implications of UK Immigration Policy on Care Workers
The UK government has announced a new immigration policy that will affect care workers from overseas. Under the new rules, care workers who want to work in the UK will not be able to bring their family members with them, unless they meet certain criteria. This is a significant change from the previous system, which allowed care workers to come to the UK with their dependants, such as spouses and children.
The government claims that this policy is necessary to reduce the pressure on the public services and the housing market, and to encourage care workers to integrate into the British society. However, critics argue that this policy is unfair and discriminatory, and that it will have negative consequences for the care sector and the people who rely on it.
Care workers play a vital role in providing support and assistance to elderly and disabled people, as well as those with mental health problems and other complex needs. Many care workers come from countries such as India, the Philippines, Romania, and Nigeria, where they have acquired skills and experience that are in high demand in the UK. According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, there are about 1.5 million care workers in the UK, of which 17% are non-British nationals.
The new immigration policy will make it harder for care workers to come to the UK, as they will have to meet stricter requirements, such as having a job offer with a minimum salary of £25,600 per year or having a PhD in a relevant field. Moreover, they will have to leave their family members behind, unless they can prove that they have enough funds to support them, or that their dependants have exceptional circumstances that require them to join them in the UK.
This policy will have a negative impact on both the care workers and the people they care for. For the care workers, it will mean that they will have to face separation from their loved ones, which can cause stress, anxiety, and loneliness.
They will also have to deal with the challenges of adapting to a new culture and environment, without having the support of their family network. For the people they care for, it will mean that they will have less choice and quality of care, as there will be fewer care workers available to meet their needs. They will also lose the benefit of having care workers who can speak their language and understand their culture.
The government should reconsider this policy and recognize the valuable contribution that care workers make to the UK society. Care workers should be treated with respect and dignity and be allowed to come to the UK with their dependants, if they wish to do so. This would not only benefit them personally, but also improve the quality of care for the people they serve.