The UK Home Office has implemented new visa rules banning overseas care workers and most foreign students from bringing dependent family members into the country.
The measures were introduced on Monday, with the UK Home Office saying there was a “disproportionate” situation as 120,000 dependents accompanied 100,000 workers on the sponsorship visa route last year.
These measures are set to affect Zimbabweans already in the UK and those planning to go with their families.
Migration trends have increased in recent years as the world increasingly becomes one global village.
As part of a wider package of restrictions, the Home Office, the UK government’s immigration and passport department, estimates that 300,000 people who were eligible to come to the UK last year will be unable to do so after implementation. of restrictive measures.
“From today, care workers entering the UK on a health and care worker visa can no longer bring dependents. This is part of our plan to achieve the biggest ever reduction in immigration,” the Home Office said.
British Home Secretary James Cleverly said that 120,000 migrants who entered the country last year would not be eligible under the new rules.
“We are implementing our plan for the biggest ever cut in immigration. Overseas care workers brought an estimated 120,000 dependents to the UK in the year to September 23,” the Home Secretary said.
UK Social Care Minister Helen Whately added: “These rules provide a more ethical and sustainable approach.”
In addition, from 4 April, the minimum salary required for those arriving on a skilled worker visa will increase from £26,200 to £38,700, marking a 48 per cent increase. The minimum income requirements for family visas will also be raised, starting at £29,000 from April 11, and by next year will be increased to £38,700.
The 20 percent salary cuts offered to professions experiencing shortages will also be canceled next month. Announce
