UK Announces 55% Hike In Income Requirement To Sponsor Family Visa
NDTV
The income benchmark has been increased from 18,600 pounds to 29,000 pounds - an increase of more than 55 per cent.
The United Kingdom announced on Thursday that the minimum income threshold required to sponsor a family member's visa in the country has been increased, as part of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's plans to cut down immigration levels. Effective immediately, the income benchmark has been increased from 18,600 pounds to 29,000 pounds - an increase of more than 55 per cent - with a subsequent increase to 38,700 pounds slated for early next year.
"Today's change comes as the Home Secretary meets his commitment to implement his major package of reforms to the immigration system within weeks of announcing them - which came following the unveiling of measures to tighten the student visa route in May 2023," the UK government said in a statement.
Immigration is one of the key poll issues ahead of general elections in the UK this year, with surveys indicating that Mr Sunak's party, the Conservatives, is heading for a heavy defeat. The new regulations are part of Mr Sunak's plan to "cut unsustainable and unfair levels of migration, and ensure those arriving here do not burden the taxpayer".
