Labour Government Halts Minimum Income Threshold Hike for UK Family Visas

The new Labour government in the UK has halted a proposed increase in the minimum income threshold for British nationals and permanent residents wanting to bring family members to the UK. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced this week that no changes will be made until the Migration Advisory Committee completes a review on the impact and necessity of the hikes.

The new Labour government has shelved a planned increase in the minimum income threshold for British nationals and permanent residents applying to bring family members to the UK.

Addressing the House of Commons this week, UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that the existing GBP 29,000 annual income requirement will remain unchanged until the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) concludes its review on the policy's impact.

This review will also assess the reliance of key sectors like IT and engineering on international recruitment. Cooper emphasized the need to balance family life respect with the economic well-being of the UK.

"To ensure we make balanced and evidence-based decisions, I will commission the MAC to review the financial requirements in the family immigration rules. The minimum income remains GBP 29,000 until the review is complete," she stated.

Previously, the Conservative government under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had announced a hike in the minimum income requirement to GBP 38,700 to align with the Skilled Worker Visa route.

Analysts warned that such a steep hike would significantly impact lower-income families. In 2023, Indians were among the top nationalities sponsoring Family Visas.

Cooper also announced plans to fortify the MAC to reduce over-reliance on international recruitment in key sectors, deploying additional Home Office staff to better forecast future trends and make evidence-based immigration policy recommendations.

(With inputs from agencies.)