A new plan to tighten family visa rules in the UK has sparked concern from government advisers. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has warned that raising the salary requirement for British citizens to bring their foreign partners to the UK could break human rights laws.
The proposed rule would increase the salary threshold from £29,000 to £38,700. The MAC says this could breach Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which protects a person’s right to private and family life.
This comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer tries to lower immigration numbers, following record levels in 2023.
What Is It?
The family visa rule allows a UK citizen to sponsor a spouse or partner from abroad to come live in the UK. But the sponsor must earn a minimum income to prove they can support their partner without public help.
The plan to raise the requirement to £38,700 matches the salary needed for skilled foreign workers. However, experts say family relationships shouldn’t be judged by job salaries and this rule could unfairly split families.
So What?
This issue is not just about immigration, it’s also about human rights and family unity.
-
Many British people who don’t earn enough would be blocked from living with their spouse in the UK.
-
Families could be forced to live apart or even leave the UK altogether.
-
This may lead to legal challenges in UK and European courts over human rights breaches.
The plan is being pushed by leaders who want to reduce net migration, which hit 906,000 in June 2023. But critics warn that such a strict salary rule is unfair and may not stand up in court.
Quick link: Apple Opens AI Models to Developers
Key Implications
-
Legal risks: Courts may rule that the £38,700 threshold violates human rights, especially Article 8 of the ECHR.
-
Family impact: British citizens on lower incomes may lose the right to live with their partner in the UK.
-
Political pressure: Some Conservative MPs are urging the UK to leave the ECHR altogether, blaming it for limiting immigration rules.
-
Labour’s challenge: Keir Starmer must balance his promise to cut migration with upholding rights and fairness.
Practical Takeaways
-
If you are planning to bring a partner to the UK, check the current salary rules carefully. They could change soon.
-
The salary threshold is £29,000 now, but may rise further. Stay updated through the Home Office website.
-
Legal experts say that this policy may be challenged in court under human rights laws, so don’t make quick decisions without proper advice.
-
If you’re worried about how this could affect your family, it may help to speak to an immigration lawyer early.
Final Thoughts
Cracking down on immigration is a popular promise in politics, but it gets complicated when it affects real families.
The UK government must think hard about whether it’s fair to set rules that split couples based on how much money they make. The law isn’t just about borders, it’s about people and their lives.
As the debate continues, it’s clear that personal stories and legal rights will play a big part in shaping what happens next.
Quick link: Marks and Spencer Restarts Online Orders After Cyber Attack
Stay Ahead Effortlessly with SoWhat?
Want to be the most informed person in the room without endless scrolling? SoWhat? is your AI-powered personal insights assistant, delivering fast, clear updates on policy, tech, and global news—every 24 hours.
Stay sharp. Stay informed. Get your free daily report HERE.
gyhnhinhftuixjiykutoqwxlnslxso