The general salary threshold for new applicants has been increased by the UK. Starting April 2024, the general salary threshold under the ‘skilled worker’ category will be £38,700. It is presently £26,200 annually.
Those who are already working in the UK under the skilled worker route, will not have to worry about the hike in salary threshold. They will not be affected when they extend their visas or if they change their sponsor or settle.
Their minimum salary, however, as per the standard practice, will increase in alignment with the minimum salary stated in the relevant standard occupation code.
Exemptions will be offered to certain visa applicants, particularly in the health and care sectors. The rates for specific occupation codes will also be hiked.
Starting 14 March 2024, the Shortage Occupation List will give way to a new Immigration Salary List. The latter will do away with the 20 per cent going rate discount to the minimum salary for shortage occupation jobs. The list will have more limited roles that will be affected by the decrease in going rate.
An official government confirmation to the new threshold for entrants is yet to come.
It is pertinent to mention here that the UK government recently suggested bringing in new immigration rules to reduce the net flow of immigrants into the country. As part of the measures, the visa requirements have become tighter across various categories of workers desirous of moving to the UK.
