Immigration Firm A Y & J Solicitors Releases Strategic Note on UK Immigration Outlook 2024

Mumbai : In a significant development concerning immigrants, particularly from countries like India, A Y & J Solicitors, a prominent immigration and visa advisory based in London, United Kingdom, has unveiled a strategic note titled ‘UK Immigration Outlook 2024’. This note sheds light on the pivotal changes in the UK’s immigration and visa policies, forecasting their implications for immigrants.

During the release of the note, Mr. Yash Dubal, a lawyer of Indian origin and a director and senior immigration associate at A Y & J Solicitors, expressed anticipation for heightened discourse around the United Kingdom’s immigration policies, especially in light of the upcoming election year. Mr. Dubal remarked, “Last year witnessed a record total of 745,000 net migration, which many British people consider too high. Both major political parties, Conservatives and Labour, are now pledging measures to curb illegal immigration and reduce the influx of legal migrants into Britain.”

The note underscores significant milestones in UK immigration policy, notably the introduction of a new points-based immigration system on January 1, 2021, post-Brexit. Additionally, the UK Government announced increases in most visa application fees by 15 to 35% on July 13, 2023, effective from October 2023.

Highlighting impending changes, the note outlines a substantial 66% surge in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) from £624 to £1035 per person per year, expected no earlier than mid-January. Moreover, adjustments in the Skilled Worker visa minimum salary threshold are anticipated, with an increase to around £34,500 in spring 2024 and further to approximately £38,700 by early 2025.

Furthermore, the note delineates alterations to the Shortage Occupation List aimed at reducing the number of sponsored overseas workers below the baseline minimum salary, expected no earlier than April 2024. Additionally, amendments in UK immigration law include stricter regulations for students bringing dependents to the UK and limitations on obtaining work visas.

The Graduate visa, allowing international students to work in the UK post-graduation, faces scrutiny with anticipated restrictions or potential elimination, alongside challenges for students transitioning directly to Skilled Worker visas due to salary threshold increments.