On December 4, 2023, UK Home Secretary  James Cleverly unveiled a “five-point plan” aimed at reducing immigration, with changes to visa rules proposed for implementation. The Home Office later provided additional details on December 21, revealing some modifications to the initial plan. As of the current writing, none of the announced changes have been enacted, but a timeline for their implementation has been established.

Key points of the plan include prohibiting social care workers from bringing dependants on their visas and increasing the minimum salary requirement for Skilled Worker visas. Notably, the salary threshold for Health and Care Worker visas, as well as education workers on national pay scales, will remain unchanged. Furthermore, adjustments to the shortage occupation list aim to restrict the sponsorship of individuals for Skilled Worker visas at salaries below the standard minimum.

Updates also encompass a gradual rise in the minimum income needed to sponsor spouse\/partner visas, alongside a review of the Graduate visa for overseas British university graduates. Specific dates have been set for the enforcement of these changes, with notable milestones including the ban on care workers’ family members arriving in March 2024 and the salary increases for Skilled Workers in April 2024.

The Home Office’s efforts to reduce net migration levels have been met with scrutiny, particularly in response to restrictions on student dependant rules and the proposed changes for care workers and their families. Minister Cleverly’s initiatives have spurred debate and criticism, with concerns raised regarding the potential impacts on immigration and social care in the UK.