Reforms from a public consultation may mean earning more to get in the UK
Updated: Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:32:18 +0000 by Kara Shadbolt
An applicant needs to show a household, will have equal to or more than similar household on benefits.
In July 2011 Government launched public consultation on family migration. Part of this public consultation included a proposal that from April 2012, a new minimum threshold would be introduced.
Louise Koch, Immigration solicitor at Alsters Kelley LLP said: “Following the public consultation, two figures were proposed for the minimum threshold, £18,600 or £25,700, two very different proposals, which would make it hard for some low earners to bring their family to the UK.”
The first proposal is if government decides to continue to base on income required not to receive benefits. However the second approach is based on a “net fiscal impacts approach”, looking at whether the applicant(s) will be a burden of the state.
The Migration Advisory Committee estimate that 45% of current applicants wouldn't meet the lower figure, 64% of current applicants wouldn't meet higher threshold.
Ms Koch added: “If this move were to go ahead, which it might well do because it has the support of the Prime Minister, it would symbolize more bad news for our low-earning clients.”
If you would like to speak to Ms Koch for immigration advice, please contact Louise Koch, Immigration solicitor on 0844 561 0132 or email louise.koch@alsterskelley.com