One of the manifesto that Theresa May launched is to increase
the earnings threshold for people wishing to sponsor migrants for family visas for
those coming from outside the EU.
Conservatives, if elected on 8th June 2017, would
hike the minimum income requirement already attacked as “particularly harsh” by
Supreme Court justices in Feb 2017.
The current income threshold to bring in spouses is £18,600
which was introduced by Theresa May as Home Secretary. This rule has been
blamed for inflicting a harsh choice of separation or living in exile on British
families.
The manifesto reads: “We will increase the earnings
thresholds for people wishing to sponsor migrants for family visas.” But it
does not set out a new minimum amount.
Labour has said it would scrap the threshold, stating it
does not believe that “family life should be protected only for the wealthy”.
Among other immigration manifestos, companies employing
migrant workers would see the Immigration Skills Charge doubled to
£2,000-a-year by the end of the parliament.
Overseas students would remain in the immigration statistics
and within scope of the Government’s policy to reduce annual net migration. The
students are expected to leave the country at the end of their course, unless
they meet a new higher requirement that allow them to work in Britain after
their studies have concluded.
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