At the last General Election I, and every other Conservative MP, stood on a manifesto commitment to take action on unsustainable levels of migration to this country.
We know that this country has seen unprecedented levels of immigration to the UK since the Covid-19 pandemic.
In recognition of this, the Home Secretary has announced a series of initiatives to address levels of net migration.
Crucial to this are measures to prevent immigration from undercutting British workers.
Salary thresholds for skilled worker visas will be increased by 48 per cent to £38,700: in line with the average wage for equivalent jobs. Government will increase the current general salary threshold from £26,200 to £38,700 from March, bringing it in line with the median full-time wage for equivalent jobs.
The ‘going rate’ threshold will also be raised for each occupation to the median earnings, with minor exemptions in critical sectors like care work, nursing and teaching. This will go to ensure employers do not have an incentive to undercut UK workers with cheaper overseas workers, and invest instead in the skills of the UK workforce.
At present, the Shortage Occupation List offers lower salary requirements for overseas workers in occupations with labour shortages that the Migration Advisory Committee believes could be addressed through migration. The 20 per cent ‘going rate’ discount for occupations on the List will be scrapped, with Government instructing the Committee to review occupations on the list with a view to reducing their number.
We know that overseas workers play a vital role in our care system. Where abuse and exploitation are found, however, they need to be addressed. Government are tackling abuse of the visa system by limiting care providers who can sponsor a worker to those undertaking Care Quality Commission-regulated activities; addressing speculative applications and fraudulent care agencies while enforcing existing rules to reduce abuse.
Following my introduction of the NHS Audit Requirements (Foreign Nationals) Bill to Parliament in 2012 to get health services costs provided to foreign nationals properly recovered, the Government introduced the Immigration Health Surcharge. The charge ensures temporary migrants make a financial contribution to the NHS, given they can access it during their time in the UK. In October it was announced that the charge will increase, in line with a manifesto commitment.
In May it was announced the right to bring dependants on the student visa route will be removed with the exception of a small number on postgraduate research programmes.
Such measures are to bring migration down towards more sustainable levels while making sure the NHS and businesses have access to the talent they need.
Henry Smith MP
