On Thursday (2nd February 2012), immigration minister Damian Green, made a proposal at the Policy Exchange addressing Parliament saying that Britian needs to attract those who will benefit Britian and not just benefit from Britian.
Taking into consideration that the Co-Alition Government have appointment Mr Green to only focus on non-EEA migrants (South Africans included), his proposal mentions earning requirements for those looking to settle in the UK. A blind spot to their open door policy with the EU is still being applied.
At this stage, from the proposal given with the MAC’s (Migration Advisory Committee) input, it seems as if they have come up with a proposed GBP18,600 to GBP25,700 sponsor earning requirement for Entry Clearance and GBP31,000 to GBP49,000 main applicant earning requirement for permanent residency application.
We cannot confirm if a multiplier will be applied to British nationals living abroad as it previously was with the Highly Skilled Migrant Program. All we can confirm is that this earning requirement is only a proposal at this stage.
“We recommend that South African’s married to British passport holders who are considering furthering their careers in the UK should look to do so before these changes come into effect. From our experience with the previous visa changes, applying before these restrictions are implemented will grant you permission with the current immigration rulings. Any changes that occur after your visa has been granted will not affect your terms and conditions for entry or nationalisation.” says Ryan Rennison, Move Up’s Director.
Further details of Damian Green’s proposal can be found here and on our sponsored website: UK-Visa’s-For-South-Africans.co.za.
Further details about the UK’s settlement visa can be found here and Move Up’s current February 2012 Full Application Refund Special.