05/12/2023
𝑼𝒏𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑼𝑲 🇬🇧 𝑰𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔
Yesterday, the UK Home Secretary announced plans to cut net migration. Note that these are plans - they are not taking effect immediately - earliest they can come into effect is Spring of 2024 (March/April). From now till March/April 2024, status quo remains - international employees can come in with their dependents.
𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅
The UK is heading into an election year. The general election is expected to hold before January 28, 2025.
Prior to elections, it is common to see politicians make anti-immigration statements and rhetoric like ‘protecting our borders’. It is common. And it is expected.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑮𝒐𝒐𝒅
The proposed increase in the basic salaries for international workers bringing in their families to £38,700 do not affect Healthcare workers including Healthcare Assistants. They can still be able to enter the UK legally at a salary of around £26,200 (status quo) even after April 2024.
In essence, Care Companies can still recruit internationally to support the acute shortage. If you are single and coming in as a healthcare worker, the proposed changes do not affect you in any way.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒂𝒅
This is the controversial bit. If the changes come into effect, coming in with dependants after April 2024 as an international carer will no longer be possible. There is a possibility that the government will backtrack on this especially as a similar policy of preventing students come in with dependants has caused a sharp drop in people interested in coming to the UK for postgraduate studies. Separating families is never cool. Countries like Canada and Australia will reap a windfall from these policies if they are not reversed.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑼𝒈𝒍𝒚
The proposed plan will affect other jobs on the shortage occupation list (outside of healthcare). Foreign chefs and the entire hospitality sector will be severely affected.
Again, even healthcare workers who will be separated from their dependents will be affected indirectly. Nothing stabilises an employee like having family support.
𝑾𝒂𝒚 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅
Realise the proposed changes for what they are - proposed changes. Immigration laws are fluid and policies do change. Prepare yourself. Adapt and adjust accordingly.
Legal migration is the lifeblood of any progressive society. So, as one door is shutting, many more are being opened.
At Zirconia Agency, our duty is to figure out alternatives that will favour you and yours. We will keep you posted on changes, options, alternatives that can help you redesign your life.
Contact us today to get started
📞 +234 813 555 5343 (Abuja office)
📞 +234 907 004 0077 (Lagos office)
Visit our offices
Abuja Office:
🏢 3rd Floor, U.L.O Plaza, 36, Sokode crescent, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.
Lagos office:
🏢 MUSTERPOINT offices
Ground floor, Mosesola house, 103 Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.