The Labour government plans to enhance the role of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) by giving its reports more weight and ensuring that its recommendations are more likely to be implemented. This includes a review of the reliance of key sectors on international recruitment, starting with the IT and engineering sectors. Employers in these sectors should prioritise reviewing their recruitment practices and engaging with the MAC where possible.
Reforming the points-based immigration system
Labour intends to reform the points-based immigration system to make it fairer and more properly managed. This includes introducing appropriate restrictions on work visas to reduce reliance on overseas workers and upskill the domestic workforce. The government will also review the impact of the increased skilled worker salary threshold, which was raised from £26,200 to £38,700 in April 2024.
Compliance and enforcement
The Labour government has promised stricter enforcement against employers who abuse the visa system. This includes increasing penalties for "rogue employers" who fail to comply with immigration rules and wider employment laws. Employers should ensure continued compliance with their responsibilities, especially those holding sponsor licenses, as there will be a focus on right-to-work checks and sponsor license compliance.
Workforce and training plans
Labour plans to introduce workforce and training plans to reduce reliance on overseas workers, initially targeting the construction and healthcare sectors. Employers in these sectors should consider ways to upskill their existing workforce and reduce dependency on skilled workers from abroad. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to link immigration with industrial strategy and improve working conditions.
E-visas and Biometric Residence Permits (BRP)
E-visas are set to replace physical biometric residence permits (BRP) from 1 January 2025. Employers should encourage their migrant workers to switch their physical BRP cards to e-visas as soon as possible to avoid border friction and challenges in evidencing a migrant’s right to work in the UK.
Youth Mobility Scheme
The Labour government has indicated that it will not introduce a wider Youth Mobility Scheme for European nationals. However, the existing scheme, which allows young adults from participating countries to experience life in the UK for up to two years, is likely to remain unchanged. This route is often used by businesses to fill temporary roles.
Family visas
The minimum income requirement to sponsor a partner on a family visa was increased from £18,600 to £29,000 in April 2024. The Labour government has announced that this threshold will stay at £29,000 while the MAC reviews financial requirements. This review aims to balance respect for family life with ensuring the economic wellbeing of the UK.
Additional considerations
Graduate visas: Labour has not made specific policy statements regarding the Student and Graduate routes, but the previous government's review suggested maintaining the Graduate route in its current form.
Creative workers: Labour may seek to renegotiate arrangements with the EU for touring performers, although no specific policy has been announced.
Application fees: Labour has not made any statements regarding changes to the application fees that were raised in February and April of 2024. The fee increases have made the sponsorship of junior roles prohibitively expensive for many businesses.
Employers should stay updated on these changes and ensure their recruitment policies are compliant with the new regulations. Regular audits and engagement with the MAC and other relevant bodies will be crucial in navigating the evolving immigration landscape.
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