Changes in family visa rules could slash number of immigrants

UK immigration authorities have proposed new family visa rules to cut down the number of immigrants coming into the country. Forming it a part of reform aiming at cutting down the immigrant’s number to just few thousands each year. Now only those immigrants can sponsor their spouses or family members who earn well and can support them fully.

The New Rule:

According to the new rule only those immigrants will be allowed to sponsor their spouses or relatives, whose minimum earnings before taxation totals to be £18,600 to £25,700 each year. This rule is strictly applicable to immigrants belonging to non-EU countries

Those in fewer slabs than £18,600 will have to wait for sponsoring their loved loves until they increase their earnings to the required standards.

Effect of this reform:

With the implementation of this rule around 50 per cent of the immigrants would not be able to sponsor their spouses and relatives to the country until they fulfill specific criteria’s. Now the people who intend to settle by bringing their spouses and children will have to face tighter restrictions on financial grounds.
It will decrease the number of spouses which was around 40, 000 by around 45 to 63 per cent. In total it is estimated a decrease of around 75 per cent in total number of immigrants coming under the family category every year.

Reason behind the rule:

As per the Migration Advisory Committee of the country, is of view that the implementation of this rule will help to cut down the number of new immigrants coming into the country. According to them it will help to shed off the burden of unproductive immigrants which the tax payers have to bear. Now only those immigrants would be allowed to sponsor their family members who can pay for their expenses and hence will not burdening the country’s resources.

The suggestions are wholly and solely made on the economic grounds only. Immigration minister, Damian Green supports the view that immigrants coming under the family category should not become a burden rather should they be helping hand to the country’s society.
The experts also believe setting up the limits would nearly cut the eligible sponsoring immigrants to as low as 1 out of the 4 working.

The Institute for Public Policy Research has already warned that acceptance of new suggestions may lead to adverse consequences and can be challenged in the courts by concerned people.