UK Visa and Immigration update

Summary

The video discusses recent changes to UK visa policies, focusing on both good and bad news. Key updates include improved rights for agency workers, such as guaranteed sick leave from day one, and the cancellation of the controversial Rwanda deportation deal. There's a significant drop in student visa applications due to restrictions on dependents and increased salary thresholds for graduates. On the positive side, skilled workers, particularly in construction, now have more opportunities, and a new lottery-based work visa has been introduced. These changes reflect tighter rules but also open new doors for certain workers and industries.

Takeaways

• 😀 Agency workers in the UK now have extended rights, including guaranteed paid sick leave from day one and guaranteed hours.
• 😀 The UK government has suspended payments to Rwanda as part of the controversial deportation deal, citing breach of trust.
• 😀 UK universities have seen a significant drop in student enrollments, particularly from China, India, and Nigeria, leading to changes in student visa rules.
• 😀 The UK has introduced a skilled worker visa for construction workers, including bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers, and electricians, with a required salary range of £25,000 to £30,000.
• 😀 The UK government has launched a lottery-based seasonal work visa, which does not require prior experience or English language skills.
• 😀 New visa options for charity and religious workers allow families to accompany them if working in mosques, temples, or similar organizations.
• 😀 The pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) has been extended from 5 years to 10 years for those in lower-skilled jobs.
• 😀 Graduates from UK universities must now earn a minimum salary of £38,700 to be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
• 😀 UK immigration rules are tightening, limiting dependents from joining students at certain levels of study and workers in specific sectors.
• 😀 The UK government has been focusing on filling labor shortages with specific visa programs, such as those for construction and seasonal work.

Q & A

What significant change has been made regarding sickness leave for agency workers in the UK?

A new rule has been introduced where agency workers are now entitled to paid sick leave from day one of their sickness, rather than waiting until day four, as was the previous practice.

How has the UK's stance on sending payments to Rwanda changed?

The UK government has decided to stop sending payments to Rwanda for the 'Rwanda migration deal,' which previously cost the UK around 240 million pounds in 2022.

What impact has the new policy had on students coming to the UK?

There has been a significant drop in the number of students coming to the UK for higher education. In the 2023-2024 academic year, there was a 14% drop in student arrivals.

What changes are being considered for the UK's post-study work visa program?

The UK is reviewing its post-study work visa program, including changes to the duration of the visa for Master's, Bachelor's, and Ph.D. students, and restrictions on dependents accompanying students.

How have the rules for dependents accompanying students to the UK changed?

Under new regulations, students on a UK study visa can no longer bring their dependents with them unless they meet specific criteria.

What is the new rule regarding the 'Indefinite Leave to Remain' (ILR) status for those in the UK?

The UK is considering extending the wait for 'Indefinite Leave to Remain' from 5 years to 10 years for certain visa holders.

What changes have been made regarding salary thresholds for UK graduates?

UK graduates are now required to earn a minimum salary of £38,700 to qualify for certain post-graduation work opportunities, as part of stricter immigration rules.

What has been introduced to support skilled workers in the construction industry in the UK?

The UK has added construction laborers such as bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers, and electricians to the skilled worker visa list, with a required salary range of £25,000 to £30,000.

How has the UK's work visa system changed in terms of lottery-based entry?

The UK has introduced a lottery-based work visa system for certain professions, allowing individuals to work for up to 2 years without specific job requirements or prior experience.

What are the options for religious workers to come to the UK?

The UK now offers a 2-year visa for religious workers, including those working in mosques or temples, with the possibility of bringing their dependents along.