In response to record net migration figures in 2022, the British government has unveiled a package of measures aimed at reducing the inflow of migrants into the United Kingdom. As part of the plan, the minimum salary threshold for foreign skilled workers to be eligible for a work visa will be raised by a third. This move comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces mounting pressure to address the issue ahead of the upcoming elections.

The Conservative Party, led by Sunak, has long been under scrutiny for their handling of immigration, with critics arguing for stricter control over the influx of migrants to the UK. Previous Conservative-led administrations had promised to reduce migration to under 100,000, a target that has yet to be met.

Interior Minister James Cleverly revealed on Monday that the minimum salary threshold for foreign skilled workers will be increased from £26,200 ($33,000) to £38,700 ($48,800). Additionally, the government plans to reform the list of job exceptions based on shortages and tighten rules regarding the ability of workers to bring their families to the UK. These changes are slated to take effect from next spring.

While these measures are seen as a way to address concerns over immigration levels, they may face opposition from business owners who have struggled to recruit workers in recent years. With the tight labor market and the end of free movement from the European Union following Brexit, industries such as engineering, construction, and catering have relied on international staff to fill labor shortages.

Net migration to the UK reached a record high of 745,000 in 2022, continuing to remain at elevated levels, as reported by recent data. Last year, 925,000 of the immigrants were non-EU nationals, 151,000 came from the EU, and 88,000 were British citizens. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that special visa schemes brought in 114,000 long-term arrivals from Ukraine and 52,000 from Hong Kong.

Interior Minister Cleverly asserted that the new measures, combined with the reduction in student dependents, would result in around 300,000 fewer people arriving in the UK in future years compared to the previous year. The government aims to fulfill the promise made during the Brexit campaign, where leaving the EU was portrayed as an opportunity to gain greater control over borders.

Additionally, Sunak has vowed to tackle irregular migration, specifically addressing the issue of small boat crossings across the English Channel from continental Europe.

As the UK government takes steps to curb net migration, the focus now shifts to the upcoming elections, where immigration policies are expected to play a significant role in shaping public opinion.