When will planned immigration changes take effect?

2024 Date 

Change

Action for employers 

31 January   

Business Visitor rules officially allow remote working from the UK for overseas employees. They do not allow work for a UK company.

Amend travel policies.

1 February

The Electronic Travel Visa (ETA) has been extended to all Gulf countries. The ETA scheme will be extended on a country-by-country basis until it includes all UK visitors, including from Europe and the US, by 2025.

Update travel desk/policy and prepare for all visitors to the UK needing pre-travel permission.

6 February 

The annual Immigration Health Surcharge has increased by 66% to £1035.

Note the increased cost for employees and any employers that choose to cover these costs.

13 February

The employer fine for a right-to-work breach will increase from £15,000 to £45,000 per worker.

Audit right-to-work systems to ensure compliance and avoid financial risk.

14 March

The Immigration Salary list, including any new occupations recommended by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), is to replace the Shortage Occupation list.

Check if the roles identified in the Immigration Salary list apply to your sector.

From April 

Home Office to contact Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) holders to register for digital permission.

Consider notifying employees that are BRP holders.

4 April

The Skilled Worker visa salary threshold will increase to £38,700 (from £26,200). Find out how this will affect businesses, the education sector and the health and care sector.

Note deadline for applications based on lower salary.

6 April

Sponsor licence renewal requirement will be removed. All licences will be valid indefinitely from this point (but we expect a higher level of checks).

Consider how you will ensure sponsor licence compliance without the reminder of renewal.

11 April

The salary threshold for new Partner visa applications for British citizens, and for those settled in the UK, will rise to £29,000 (up from £18,600). For those applying for an extension to a current Partner visa, or for those who apply before 11 April, the threshold will be £18,600.

Expect fewer families to be able to use this route.

31 December 

Expiry of Biometric Residence Permits – employees should have been contacted by Home Office to transition to for digital permission.

Record visa expiry date not biometric residence permit expiry date .

2025

ETIAS (a form of electronic visa) will be required for UK nationals travelling into Europe.

Prepare for all employees needing pre-travel authorisation for business trips in Europe.