The UK government has declared a 48% elevation in the minimum salary prerequisite for foreign nationals entering on a Skilled Worker visa, encompassing Nigerian immigrants. James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, made the announcement on behalf of the UK government, citing that the minimum salary requirement for immigrants has surged from £26,200 to £38,700.
This adjustment to the UK skilled work visa aims to give precedence to British workers and curb migration. As per the information updated on April 4, 2024, UK businesses are now compelled to offer significantly higher salaries to overseas workers arriving on Skilled Worker visas.
Cleverly emphasized, “It’s time to shut off the influx and cease the flow of inexpensive labor from overseas. Mass migration is unsustainable and unjust, as it undermines the earnings of diligent individuals striving to make ends meet. We are redirecting our immigration system to prioritize the most talented individuals possessing the skills our economy requires, while reducing overall numbers.
“I pledged to the British people an immigration system that serves their interests and lowers numbers – these stringent measures fulfill that promise. Employers must also shoulder their responsibility and prioritize British workers.”
The UK has delineated criteria for various job categories under the skilled work visa scheme. Regarding salary requirements, it states: “Applicants typically need to earn the ‘standard’ salary rate of at least £38,700 per year or the ‘going rate’ for their job, whichever is higher.
“For instance, if an applicant’s salary is £39,000 per year, but the annual going rate for their job is £45,000, they do not meet the usual salary requirements for this visa.
“Each occupation code has its own annual going rate. Applicants should check the going rate for their job in the going rates table.”
The statement specifies that different salary rules apply to healthcare or education jobs, which are based on national pay scales. However, for those outside these fields, eligibility for the visa may still be possible if the salary is at least £30,960 per year.
Here are some of the jobs and their corresponding codes listed under the skilled work visa:
- 1111 Chief executives and senior officials
- 1121 Production managers and directors in manufacturing
- 1122 Production managers and directors in construction
- 1123 Production managers and directors in mining and energy
- 1131 Financial managers and directors
- 1132 Marketing, sales and advertising directors
- 1133 Public relations and communications directors
- 1134 Purchasing managers and directors
- 1135 Charitable organization managers and directors
- 1136 Human resource managers and directors
- 1137 Information technology directors
- 1139 Functional managers and directors not elsewhere classified
- 1140 Directors in logistics, warehousing, and transport
- 1150 Managers and directors in retail and wholesale
You can view more job listings and their corresponding codes by clicking on the provided link.