London: The income limit for sponsoring a family visa has been sharply increased in a bid to stem the decline in immigration to the UK. The government led by Rishi Sunak, who is also of Indian origin, has raised the minimum income limit for sponsoring a family member's visa from £18,600 to £29,000. The increase in income threshold will be around 55 percent. There is also a move to increase this to £38,700 next year.
Weeks ago the Home Secretary announced plans to overhaul the immigration system. After that, the income limit for sponsoring a family visa was raised. Last May, the UK initiated reforms to tighten the student visa route. Along with stricter restrictions on student visas, there is also a 66 per cent increase in the health surcharge for foreign nationals using the National Health Service.
General elections are being held in Britain this year. Immigration is also a major campaign issue in the election. According to the survey report, Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party will face a big setback in the elections. UK Home Secretary James Cleverley has defended the new decision saying it is important to reduce the challenges caused by immigration.