New Visa Rules Penalise Couples: UK Family Concerns
Families both in the UK and abroad are expressing anxieties over the potential increase in separations due to the introduction of a minimum salary requirement for UK family visa. The Home Office, aiming to curtail what it perceives as excessive migration, unveiled measures to reduce net migration, including raising the minimum income threshold for those seeking to bring foreign spouses to the UK.
Rising Income Thresholds:
Effective April 11th, applicants for visas to reunite with loved ones from overseas must demonstrate an annual income of at least £29,000. This marks a significant jump from the previous requirement of £18,600. The government plans further escalations, with the threshold set to reach £38,700 by the following spring. The income requirement applies to the sponsoring spouse already residing in the UK.
Concerns and Challenges
The heightened income threshold has ignited concerns among families, particularly those unable to meet the new financial criteria. Caroline Coombs, co-founder of Reunite Families UK, shared her own struggles, highlighting the difficulties her husband, originally from Ecuador, has faced in obtaining indefinite leave to remain. Similarly, Gary Pepperd and his Brazilian wife Shayenne found themselves thwarted by the previous income requirement, forcing Mr. Pepperd to relocate to Brazil to be with his spouse.
Impact on Family Reunions
The stringent income requirements exacerbate an already challenging process for families seeking to reunite. The BBC Panorama episode "Immigration: the UK's Record High" shed light on the issue, revealing that out of 1.44 million visas issued last year, only around 5.6% were family-related. Critics argue that such policies hinder the reunification of families and perpetuate separation.
Government Justification:
In response to criticisms, a Home Office spokesperson defended the measures, emphasizing the government's commitment to reducing migration levels. By aligning the minimum income requirement with the general salary threshold for skilled workers, officials assert that the policy supports the broader objective of fostering a high-wage, high-productivity, and high-skill economy.
