RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-761
ANSWERED ON- 08/02/2024
WORK VISAS
761. SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY VEMIREDDY
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-
(a) the manner in which Government looks at the recent move of the UK that increased salary threshold for Work Visas with an objective to cut immigration;
(b) the package of measures being taken as a part of the above move;
(c) its impact on the Indians who wish to go to UK on work Visa;
(d) whether the above measures are counterproductive as this may lead to labour shortage and also impediment in the FTA with the UK; and
(e) whether any discussions through diplomatic and political channels have been held by the Central Government and, if so, outcome of the same?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)
(a to c) On 4 December 2023, the UK Home Office announced a package of measures aimed at curbing abuse of their immigration systems and reduce net migration. As per this package, the Home Office intends to increase the earning thresholds for eligibility for Skilled Worker visas in stages from £26,200 to £38,700. These changes will come into force from 4 April 2024. However, those coming on the Health and Social Care Visa route will be exempt from the £38,700 salary threshold. Education workers on national pay-scale occupations are also exempted. As per the information available, the package is applicable to all foreign nationals in the UK, including Indian nationals.
(d) Negotiations with the UK Government on FTA are ongoing, of which the 14th Round of talks are being held.
(e) The Government is aware of and sensitive towards the matters pertaining to Indian community and workers in the UK. These issues are discussed at all appropriate levels with the UK government.
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