The UK is making some significant changes in the immigration rules. According to the UK Home Office tweet on X, the UK government has gone for the biggest-ever cut in migration by raising the skilled worker visa salary threshold by 48% and abolishing the Shortage Occupation List and 20% salary discount.

A package of measures has been proposed by the government to reduce the net migration rate in the country. A new study from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) outlines suggestions for the jobs that should be put on the UK’s new Immigration Salary List (ISL).

One major change in UK immigration policy relates to the Skilled Worker (SW) route. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) was asked to carry out a rapid review of the new Immigration Salary List (ISL).

The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) will be abolished, to be replaced with a new Immigration Salary List on April 4, 2024. This follows a recommendation from the independent MAC, which has also advised the government on which occupations should be temporarily added to the new list initially.

In its report, the MAC proposed that 21 occupations be added to the ISL, accounting for 8% of job roles eligible for the SW route by employment. Previously, approximately 30% of job roles eligible for the SW route were on the SOL.

The government has been clear that roles should only be included where they are skilled and in shortage, and that no sector should be permanently reliant on immigration. Inclusion on the list must not serve to reduce pay and undermine the recruitment of British workers.

The MAC suggested removing a 20% discount on general salary thresholds for shortage occupations on the ISL to prevent undercutting domestic workers and migrant exploitation.

From 4 April, the minimum salary required for those arriving on the Skilled Worker visa will increase from £26,200 to £38,700 – a 48% increase. This will further drive down numbers, reduce pressure on public services and prevent the undercutting of British workers by employers who look to recruit cheap labour from overseas.

The minimum income requirement for family visas will also rise, starting at £29,000 from 11 April. By early 2025 this will be increased to £38,700, helping to ensure dependants brought to the UK are supported financially.

The government has also announced that, for now, the new entrant discount available for those aged 26 and under will continue. In its current form, this discount provides a 30% discount on the occupation-specific threshold and a 20% discount on the general salary threshold, the higher of which must be paid.

List of Recommended ISL occupations

Managers and proprietors in forestry, fishing and related services
Laboratory technicians
Pharmaceutical technicians
Boat and ship builders and repairers
Stonemasons and related trades
Bricklayers
Roofers, roof tilers and slaters
Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified
Animal care services occupations not elsewhere classified
Care workers and home carers
Senior care workers

New occupations recommendations due to increased salary thresholds

Chemical scientists
Biological scientists
Social and humanities scientists
Artists
Dancers and choreographers
Musicians
Arts officers, producers and directors
Graphic and multimedia designers
Welding trades
Carpenters and joiners