The UK Government recently released a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, with several updates set to take effect throughout April 2025. These changes, announced on 12 March, introduce significant adjustments to the UK immigration system.
April 2025 brings important developments that affect employers, foreign nationals, and individuals looking to work or visit the UK. Below is a summary of the key changes introduced during this period:
1. Skilled Worker Visa Changes
Prioritisation of In-Country Workers
Employers in the UK’s health and care sectors are now required to prioritise recruiting workers already within the UK before sponsoring overseas candidates for the Skilled Worker Visa. This change is aimed at encouraging employers to hire local talent and reduce the reliance on international recruitment for these critical sectors.
- Action for Employers: Health and care employers must ensure they actively seek domestic candidates and explore local recruitment options first. If suitable candidates are unavailable, they may then sponsor foreign nationals to fill these positions.
Increase in Minimum Salary Threshold
The minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker Visa has been increased to £25,000 per year. This adjustment aligns with the government’s effort to ensure that foreign workers are filling positions that offer a competitive wage, aligning with the cost of living and national salary standards.
- Impact: Employers will need to ensure that the roles they are sponsoring meet this new salary threshold, or they may face difficulties in obtaining sponsorship for international candidates.
From April 9, 2025, the UK government has introduced new salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas:
- General Minimum Salary: Increased from £23,200 (£11.90/hour) to £25,000 (£12.82/hour) Living wage is (£12.21).
- Health and Education Roles: Salaries are adjusted according to national pay scales, with some roles exempt from the £25,000 minimum.
- Occupation-Specific Rates: Updated to align with the new minimum salary floor
From April 2025, Skilled Worker visa holders in the UK can engage in supplementary work under certain conditions:
- Type of Work: The supplementary work must be in the same occupation code as their primary job or a job on the Shortage Occupation List.
- Hours: They can work up to 20 hours per week in addition to their sponsored role.
- Employer: No additional sponsorship is required for supplementary work.
These rules provide flexibility for visa holders to take on extra work while ensuring compliance with immigration regulations.
2. Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
New ETA Requirement
Effective from 9 April 2025, all visitors to the UK (with the exception of British and Irish nationals) must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the UK. This measure aims to streamline border control processes, enhance security, and monitor visitors who may be traveling for short stays or tourism purposes.
- Action for Visitors: Non-UK nationals will need to apply for an ETA prior to their arrival in the UK. The ETA is a digital system that will be processed quickly and is expected to simplify the entry process for short-term travellers.
3. Visa Requirement for Trinidad and Tobago Nationals
New Visa Requirement
As of April 2025, nationals of Trinidad and Tobago now require a visa to visit the UK. This marks the end of the previous Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) exemption for citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, who no longer enjoy the automatic ability to visit the UK without a visa.
- Action for Travelers: Trinidad and Tobago nationals intending to visit the UK will need to apply for a visa, whether for short-term visits, business, or tourism. It is important to plan well in advance to ensure the proper visa is obtained.
As of April 9, 2025, the UK has introduced significant changes to support migrants affected by sponsor license revocations:
- No Immediate Visa Curtailment: Migrants will no longer have their visas automatically curtailed or receive a “60-day letter” when their sponsor loses its license.
- Regional Hubs for Displaced Workers: A new initiative allows affected workers to be added to a secure database accessible by UK employers. Employers must prioritise hiring from this pool before recruiting overseas.
- Expedited Sponsorship Transfers: The process for transferring sponsorship is now faster and free of additional fees.
- Support Services: Displaced workers will have access to visa advice, job-matching services, financial aid, and mental health support.
If you receive a curtailment notice with a 60-day deadline, here are some key things to avoid during this period:
- Do Not Overstay: Ensure you leave the UK or apply for a new visa before the 60-day period ends. Overstaying can lead to legal penalties and affect future visa applications.
- Avoid Unauthorised Work: Do not work in roles or for employers not permitted under your current visa conditions. This could lead to further immigration issues.
- Do Not Ignore the Notice: Failing to act within the 60 days can result in your immigration status being invalidated, leading to potential deportation.
- Avoid Travel Without Planning: If you leave the UK during this period, re-entry might be restricted unless you have a valid visa.
- Do Not Delay Seeking Advice: Avoid waiting until the last minute to seek legal or immigration advice. Early action can provide more options.
Taking proactive steps during this period is crucial to maintaining your immigration status. These changes aim to protect migrants from unfair consequences and ensure they can continue contributing to the UK workforce.
4. Changes to Sponsorship Costs
Restrictions on Passing Sponsorship Costs to Workers
New rules have been introduced that prevent employers from passing certain sponsorship costs onto Skilled Worker visa holders. This includes fees for the Sponsor Licence and Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Impact for Employers: Employers who were previously allowed to pass on these costs will need to absorb them as part of their business expenses. This may lead to increased operational costs, but employers must ensure compliance with the updated sponsorship rules.
5. Updates to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
Amendments to EUSS
The UK government has made amendments to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), which impacts EU nationals living in the UK. The amendments specifically affect the Appendix Ukraine Permission Extension and the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
- Changes to Appendix Ukraine Permission Extension: The new amendments may provide additional provisions for Ukrainian nationals who were granted permission to remain in the UK under the previous Ukraine-specific schemes.
- Homes for Ukraine Scheme: Changes are expected in the administration and eligibility under this scheme, which allows Ukrainian nationals displaced by the conflict to find temporary refuge in the UK. Updates will clarify the support and extension options available for Ukrainian citizens.
Conclusion and Actions for Stakeholders
- Employers should update their recruitment practices to ensure they are complying with the prioritisation of in-country workers for health and care sector roles and adjust their budgets to account for the increased Skilled Worker Visa salary threshold and changes to sponsorship cost distribution.
- Visitors from countries outside the UK and Ireland must now apply for an ETA before traveling to the UK, which will streamline the entry process.
- Trinidad and Tobago nationals should be aware of the new visa requirements, planning their trips to the UK accordingly.
- EU citizens and Ukrainian nationals living in the UK should check if they are impacted by the changes to the EU Settlement Scheme and Homes for Ukraine Scheme and ensure their statuses are updated.
These changes are significant in shaping the future of immigration to the UK, particularly in terms of recruitment, visitor management, and the status of displaced persons. It is important for all individuals and organisations involved in the immigration process to stay informed and ensure compliance with these new regulations.
Email: info@hscpn.org
Phone: +447777455681 / +447769379253
Website: https://hscpn.org
