05/12/2023
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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.
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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 โprotecting our bordersโ. It is common. And it is expected.
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The proposed increase in the basic salaries for international workers bringing in their families to ยฃ38,700 do not affect Healthcare workers including Healthcare Assistants. They can still be able to enter the UK legally at a salary of around ยฃ26,200 (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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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