Rishi Sunak Announces Introduction of New £38,700 Visa Rule in Early 2025

Rishi Sunak has announced that a new visa rule, which sets the minimum income requirement at £38,700 for individuals wanting to bring family members to the UK, will take effect in early 2025.

The current threshold is £18,600, but it will initially increase to £29,000 in spring before reaching the full amount the following year.

The phased introduction is a response to criticism that a sudden hike could cause disruption and possible legal challenges. The increase is part of government efforts to decrease high levels of migration, which saw net migration hit a record 745,000 in 2022.

This policy has sparked debate ahead of the next general election, due by January 2025. The Home Office assures that those renewing family visas won't have to meet the new threshold, and current applicants can still qualify under the existing rules.

Criticisms have been voiced, including by former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, suggesting immediate implementation is necessary to prevent a surge in applications. In personal stories, individuals have expressed concerns that the higher income requirements pose significant challenges to family reunification.

Despite the gradual rise, the government's goal is to significantly reduce legal migration, with the new £29,000 threshold expected to contribute to the broader aim of cutting the figures by 300,000. Opposition members and commentators suggest the government's approach is poorly consulted and potentially harmful to families.