UK Immigration update: Statement of change - 2023
The UK government issued a Statement of Change (7 December 2023) which included information on changes to the visitor route, due to take effect from 31 January 2024.
UK immigration calendar 2024
The UK government has announced numerous changes that will come into effect in 2024. We have put together a calendar to help our clients plan for their mobile workforce.
Changes | Date |
International students starting courses in the UK will no longer be able to bring family members on all but postgraduate research courses and courses with government-funded scholarships. | January 2024 |
The overall maximum illegal working civil penalty will increase from £20,000 to £60,000 per illegal worker identified. The starting point for a first breach will be increased from £15,000 to £45,000. | Early 2024 |
Qataris have been able to apply for their electronic travel authorisation (ETA) since 25th October 2023. Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan will also need an ETA if they’re visiting the UK. | February 2024 |
Increase in home office compliance visits. | Throughout 2024 |
Increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fees:
Students and their dependants, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants, and children from £470 to £776. The new fees will bring a significant increase to the overall cost of applying for a UK visa, especially if applying as a skilled worker for a five-year period:
| 6 February 2024 |
Skilled worker general salary threshold increased from £26,200 to £38,700 (with exemptions for health and care visa applicants and education workers on national pay scales). | April 2024 |
Skilled worker occupation-related going rates of pay increased from the 25th percentile to the 50th percentile of the salary band for the role. | April 2024 |
Abolition of 20% salary discount for skilled worker shortage occupation roles. | April 2024 |
Replacement of the skilled worker shortage occupation list with an immigration salary list with a discounted general salary threshold. | April 2024 |
A review of the Graduate Visa route to ensure it works in the best interests of the UK and to ensure steps are being taken to prevent abuse. | End of 2024 |
Get in touch
If you would like to discuss any of the changes and how they may impact your immigration program, please get in touch via the form or key contacts below.
UK immigration
Our Immigration team has a wealth of experience in assisting UK companies of all sizes and across all industries to sponsor migrant workers coming into the UK, whether they are intra-company assignees from offices overseas or migrants who are being hired to fill permanent positions here in the UK.
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