London is getting further and further away. From April 1st, the UK has implemented new regulations which make it increasingly difficult for foreigners to live and work in the country. The stricter rules on work visas have a significant impact on non-Brits without work permits, especially young Europeans, including Italians, who could previously work in the UK with relative ease.
The new anti-immigration rules introduced by Sunak
The English Prime Minister Rishi sunak introduced even more stringent rules. A further tightening to boost the internal economy and stop immigration. From this April, to obtain a visa for the first work experience in the country, a minimum annual salary of approximately 45.000 euros, equivalent to 38.700 pounds. A del% increase 40 given that the minimum threshold previously was 26.200 pounds (approximately 33 thousand euros). To obtain residence permit for family members, a minimum salary of £29.000 will be required, with a further increase expected by early 2025. And employers sponsoring workers' visas must cover the cost of the visa, estimated at around £1.500, which also includes the payment of public health coverage for the worker.
A significant increase on previous requirements which will make it difficult for many skilled foreigners to obtain a work visa in the UK. The country will always remain open to already qualified managers and professionals, while i young Europeans who were able to work freely in the UK before Brexit will be affected by visa restrictions.
The new visa rules do not affect those who have already obtained a visa before April 4, 2024. While the aim of the restrictions may be to reduce migration flows, these policies have negative consequences on several vital sectors of the country. In 2023, legal immigration rose to 672 thousand new units.
Impact on the restaurant sector
The one that suffers the greatest backlash is certainly the manufacturing sector Catering. Italians, as well as many other Europeans, have traditionally found employment opportunities as chefs, waiters and shop assistants, especially in the City. With the new salary requirement it will be almost impossible to find work in these sectors.
The new restrictions are already causing recruitment problems for many businesses, with some restaurants likely to be forced to close due to a lack of qualified staff. This creates a paradoxical situation: although the British unemployment rate is low, around 4%, there are not enough local workers willing to fill positions in the affected sectors.
Enrollments of foreign students are falling
The new policies also affect thehigh school education, which depends heavily on foreign students to sustain revenue.
Visa restrictions are already negatively impacting the number of foreign students who choose to study in the UK. For example, the Enrollment page of Indian students decreased by 34%, mainly due to visa restrictions for family members.
Abolition of the “non-dom” tax regime
In addition to visa restrictions, the British government has the “non-dom” tax regime abolished, which allowed UK residents to be taxed only on UK-source income and capital gains. This move could further reduce the UK's attractiveness to expats and professionals from other countries.
