UK Introduces Stricter Visa Rules for Foreign Workers and Students to Curb Immigration

The UK government has unveiled tighter visa regulations for foreign workers and students, aiming to reduce immigration and prioritize local employment. The new rules, set to take effect on April 9, will require employers to prove they have attempted to recruit within England before hiring foreign care workers.

Key Changes:

- Employers must demonstrate efforts to recruit locally before hiring foreign care workers.

- Minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas increased to £25,000 per year (£12.82 per hour).

- Stricter regulations on student visas, granting officials more power to reject non-genuine applications.

Government Crackdown on Immigration Abuse

Seema Malhotra, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, emphasized the need to protect international care workers from abuse and exploitation. The government has already revoked over 470 care sector licenses in the past 18 months and will continue to bar employers who repeatedly violate immigration laws from hiring overseas workers.

Impact on Foreign Workers and Students

The updated regulations aim to restore order to the UK's immigration system and prioritize local employment. However, the changes may affect the ability of foreign workers and students to enter the UK.

Main Takeaways:

- Stricter visa rules for foreign workers and students aim to reduce immigration.

- Employers must prioritize local recruitment for care workers.

- Minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas increased.

- Government cracks down on immigration abuse and exploitation.