The post-Brexit crackdown on work visas in GB comes into force

(ANSA) – LONDON, 08 APR – The latest crackdown on regular immigration in the United Kingdom has come into force in recent days, illustrated in Parliament on 4 December last by the Home Secretary, James Cleverly, after the many promises that have remained largely on paper regarding the reduction of flows and the draconian measures still stuck – as in the case of the controversial Rwanda plan – against “illegal immigrants”. The initiative, played by Rishi Sunak’s conservative government as one of the last cards to bet on in an attempt to recover consensus in an election year marked so far by disastrous polls, is destined to affect, among others, the opportunities of young Europeans (including Italians) who continue to be attracted by the opportunities of the island’s employment market even after Brexit. This is a crackdown focused in particular on the entry of legal migrants authorized to enter the country as “skilled workers”. It provides for an increase from 26,200 to 38,700 pounds per year (approximately 45,000 euros) of the minimum threshold of the contract required to grant a work visa to foreigners called to cover roles and tasks in economic sectors often plagued by a serious shortage of workforce in the Kingdom. Given that it had already been introduced four years ago, in definitive implementation after Brexit, and that since the beginning of 2020 it has effectively put an end to free movement between continental Europe and the Kingdom: closing the era of open doors for the young Europeans (and Italians) who in recent decades had landed unhindered across the Channel in droves, with the justification of studying or learning English, often to settle long-term in search of life and work experiences. The further restriction on the size of the minimum contract necessary to now guarantee the right of residence provides for only partial relief in some areas – such as healthcare, but also catering – in which the shortage of manpower on the island is greatest. While it is accompanied by other limitations that became effective already a month ago against what Cleverly branded as “abuses” of the rules on the rapprochement of family members and partners of foreign workers with permits: made more restrictive this year after they were in 2023 According to the government, “120,000 reunions per 100,000 workers” were allowed in the assistance sector alone. As well as an increase in the additional tax for health coverage imposed on immigrants from 624 to 1035 pounds per year. (HANDLE).