The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has voiced his concerns over the negative impact that new visa rules in the UK will have on family relationships. While acknowledging the government's aim to reduce migration, Welby emphasized that the higher income requirements imposed by the new regulations will result in many families being unable to live together.

Starting from next spring, British citizens wishing to bring a foreign family member or partner to the UK must earn a minimum annual income of £38,700. The government justified this increase from the previous limit of £18,600, stating that it ensures individuals can financially support themselves if they wish to live and work in the country. However, the new threshold surpasses the UK's median gross annual earnings for full-time employees, which stood at £34,963 as of April 2023.

These changes also mean that overseas care workers will no longer be able to bring their family dependents, such as partners or children, to the UK. The measures form part of a broader package introduced earlier this week aimed at reducing net migration following a record influx of 745,000 people in the previous year.

During a debate in the House of Lords, Welby expressed his concerns, stating, "This week we hear that many people in this country will be prevented from living together with their spouse, child, or children... as a result of a big increase in the minimum income requirement for family visas." The archbishop urged the government not to set up unnecessary hurdles for families, highlighting the indispensable role families play in society and the importance of their well-being.

The archbishop's remarks were echoed by some members of the Conservative Party. Former Tory minister Gavin Barwell argued against the policy, stating that only allowing the wealthy to fall in love, get married, and bring their partners to the UK is morally wrong and goes against conservative values. Tory MP Alicia Kearns also expressed discomfort with the increased income requirement, stressing that the Conservatives are the party of family.

Analysts anticipate that the change will primarily affect those who earn lower wages, including women, younger individuals, and those residing outside of London and the southeast of England. Dr. Madeleine Sumption, director of the University of Oxford's Migration Observatory, emphasized the potentially disproportionate impact on these demographics.

The Labour Party has also raised concerns about the minimum salary requirements for family visas. While the party stated the need to evaluate the evidence regarding the policy's impact, it highlighted the potential punitive effect on individuals who fall in love with someone from another country but do not meet the £40,000 income threshold.

Downing Street stated that the minimum income figure applies to the household as a whole and clarified that individuals can demonstrate their ability to support a dependent through their savings. The rules also include provisions for exceptional circumstances, where denying entry to a spouse or family member could result in unjustifiably harsh consequences.

Concerns remain regarding the application of the new income rules to individuals with existing foreign family members in the UK at the time of visa renewal. Downing Street acknowledged that ongoing work is being conducted to determine how the changes will affect those seeking visa renewals.

The Archbishop of Canterbury's criticism underscores the growing debate surrounding the UK's tightened immigration policies and their impact on family unity. As the government strives to control migration numbers, questions arise about the potential consequences and the balance between economic objectives and the well-being of families.