UK Warned Over Tough Immigration Rules Coming Into Effect in April
The United Kingdom (UK) has been cautioned about an upcoming economic decline resulting from stringent immigration regulations scheduled to be implemented starting April 4, 2024.
This information was conveyed by Dentons, one of the largest international law firms globally.
Although the UK government declared its intention to implement stringent visa restrictions to decrease net migration statistics, Denton believes that this will ultimately yield adverse effects in the long run.
“These changes are likely to increase the cost of hiring migrant workers, prompting businesses to consider reassessing their budgets,” Dentons warned.
The UK plans to substitute the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) with the Immigration Salary List (ISL), whereby an individual’s earnings will dictate their eligibility for a visa extension.
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Under the new regulations, the UK government has specified that the minimum required yearly income to be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa will rise from £26,200 (approximately Ksh4.4 million) to £38,700 (approximately Ksh6.5 million) for prospective applicants.
Moreover, the latest regulations incorporate a new stipulation mandating that applicants must have maintained their existing authorization for one year to be eligible for settlement based on long-term residency.
This condition will not apply if the applicant has been granted exemption from immigration control in the 12 months preceding their application.
Moreover, individuals from Kenya and other countries intending to move to the UK will need to furnish evidence of their proficiency and capability in the English language.
Regarding that matter, the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) will be recognized as proof of proficiency in the English language.
Based on data from the International Migrant Stock (IMS), there are more than 150,000 individuals from Kenya residing in the United Kingdom.
The figure is anticipated to rise as Kenya further participates in bilateral labor negotiations with the UK.
UK Warned Over Tough Immigration Rules Coming Into Effect in April
