UK GOVERNMENT REVOLUTIONIZES IMMIGRATION SYSTEM WITH STRINGENT NEW VISA RULES

The UK government has unveiled a major overhaul of its immigration system, introducing significant changes that will reshape the way foreign skilled workers are recruited into the country. Set to take effect on July 22, 2025, these new rules aim to restore control and reduce the nation’s dependence on low-paid foreign labor.

The government has taken a firm stance on tightening visa requirements, raising the minimum salary for skilled workers to £38,700 per year and introducing stricter skill requirements that mandate at least a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification for most new applications. However, existing skilled workers already residing in the UK will be exempt from this requirement.

In a bid to curb abuse and reduce reliance on lower-skilled migration, the government has significantly reduced the shortage occupation list, removing over 100 roles, including chefs and plasterers. A smaller list of “critical” roles will be retained temporarily, but without fee or salary discounts and without the right to bring dependants.

The new rules also impact care workers and employers, with new visa applications for care roles from abroad no longer being accepted from July 22, 2025. Nevertheless, care workers already in the UK will be permitted to switch visas within the country until July 2028.

These changes are part of the government’s broader effort to reform the immigration system, with further changes expected later this year, including increased immigration skills charges for employers and tighter English language rules for visa applicants. By implementing these new rules, the government aims to restore order to the immigration system and focus on investing in skills and training within the UK.