New UK family visa rules are causing uncertainty during the holiday season. The Conservative government plans to more than double the minimum income required for a British citizen to sponsor a visa for a non-UK partner, from £18,600 to £38,700. With 70% of Britons earning less than the new threshold, settling in the UK with a foreign-born partner becomes challenging for many. The move is part of efforts to reduce net migration, but critics argue it is both harsh and of limited effectiveness.
Businesses and care homes express concerns, and immigration lawyers anticipate legal battles over the compatibility of the new threshold with human rights laws. The UK’s approach stands out compared to other countries with income or savings requirements, raising questions about the impact on families and the right to find happiness with a partner from a foreign land.
UK family visa updates, Impact of new UK visa rules, Concerns about UK family visas, Changes in UK immigration policy, UK visa uncertainty