The UK government made a significant move on Monday to tighten visa regulations in an effort to reduce immigration into the country. The Home Office issued a statement asserting that the new plan aims to achieve the largest-ever decrease in the nation's net migration.

Interior Secretary James Cleverly stated that the proposed measures would lead to 300,000 fewer individuals arriving in the UK in the years to come. This announcement sparked widespread reactions, with concerns raised about the potential impact on migration to the UK.

According to the latest data from the UK Office of National Statistics, Nigeria ranks second, with 141,000 non-EU nationals arriving in the UK in the past year. Other nationalities include Chinese, Pakistani, Ukrainian, and others.

The new visa rules designed to curb immigration into the UK include several key changes. Firstly, the minimum salary requirement for skilled worker visas has been raised from £26,000 to £38,700, representing a 50% increase. Additionally, exemptions from the higher criterion will be granted for health and social care visas to address NHS staffing needs, although caregivers will no longer be allowed to bring their dependents.

The government also plans to review the shortage occupation list, aiming to reduce the number of occupations on it. This list is intended to assist employers in filling specific roles with lower wage requirements, making it easier for candidates to qualify for a visa. However, the new policy eliminates the 20% minimum pay cut previously available to applicants for visas in shortage occupations.

Furthermore, the minimum amount required to obtain a family visa will increase from £18,600. The government has tasked the Migration Advisory Committee with reviewing the graduate route, with anticipated adjustments to the student visa in the near future.

Naijamatta is a social networking site,

download Naijamatta from Google play store or visit www.naijamatta.com to register. You can post, comment, do voice and video call, join and open group, go live etc. Join Naijamatta family, the Green app.