London: The minimum income threshold for family visas, currently set at £29,000, will remain unchanged until the MAC completes its review. This move is expected to assist foreign nationals who wish to bring their families to the UK, offering temporary relief amidst the rising cost of living and economic challenges.
Yvette Cooper, the Secretary of State for the Home Department, emphasized the importance of balancing family life with the economic wellbeing of the UK. In a written parliamentary statement, she said, “The Family Immigration Rules, including the Minimum Income Requirement, need to balance a respect for family life whilst also ensuring the economic wellbeing of the UK is maintained. To help ensure we reach the right balance and have a solid evidence base for any change, I will commission the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to review the financial requirements in the Family Immigration Rules.”
The initial plan to increase the threshold incrementally over the next few years has been put on hold. Originally, the minimum income requirement was set to rise in stages, aligning with the minimum general salary threshold for skilled workers, which stands at £38,700. The first increase to £29,000 was implemented on April 11, 2024, replacing the previous threshold of £18,600. This freeze prevents further increases until the MAC review is finalized.
In addition to freezing the income threshold, the UK government continues to implement measures to curb abuse of the student and Graduate visa routes. Recent changes include restricting most overseas students from bringing family members to the UK and increasing the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas by 48%, from £26,200 to £38,700.
Foreign nationals planning to bring their families to the UK will benefit from the freeze in the minimum income requirement. However, the final outcome will depend on the recommendations of the MAC review, which aims to balance family reunification with the economic needs of the UK.
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