The 2024 immigration landscape of the United Kingdom has already seen significant changes this year. The overarching goal of the government, which is to curb net migration, has been a driving force behind these developments. Not only do these changes to immigration policy mirror the objectives of the current government, but they also have substantial ramifications for individuals, companies, and families on an even more personal level.
Please take note of the following list, which contains the most significant dates and modifications to the Immigration Rules that you need to be aware of:
January 1, 2024, the laws governing student visas in the United Kingdom will be modified to prohibit the majority of overseas students from being accompanied or joined by a dependant to study in the United Kingdom;
January 31, 2024, the permitted activities for visitors were expanded, the right to work conditions for visitors was modified to allow for remote working, the permitted paid engagement visitor route was merged into the standard visitor route, and new appendices for bereaved partners, victims of domestic abuse, and statelessness were introduced.
February 1, 2024,The application procedure for electronic travel authorization (ETA) was launched on, for citizens of the countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan;
February 6, 2024. A 66% increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is scheduled to take effect Under the new Civil Penalty system, fines for unauthorised working will be increased by a factor of three on February 13, 2024;
March 11, 2024, Care workers (SOC code 6145) and Senior Care Workers (SOC code 6146) will be prohibited from bringing dependents to the United Kingdom. Additionally, care homes in England will be required to be regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in order to sponsor migrants through the Health and Care Worker visa route.
March 14, 2024, a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules will be presented to Parliament. This statement will replace the current Shortage Occupation List (SOL) with a new Immigration Salary List.
April 4, 2024, the minimum wage level for a Skilled Worker visa will increase from £26,200 to £38,700 per year. Additionally, on April 6, 2024, the obligation to renew Sponsor Licences will be eliminated.
April 11, 2024, that the minimum income criteria for partners who are applying under Appendix FM will be raised from £18,600 to £29,000.
