The University of East Anglia and the director of the Sainsbury Lab have criticized the recent changes to skilled worker visas. They are concerned that raising the income threshold could negatively affect Norfolk’s economy and impede the ability to recruit future leaders in their respective fields. The changes to the visa requirements mean that people applying for this visa must earn a minimum of £38,700, which is an increase from the previous minimum of £26,200. As a result, the starting salaries for postdoctoral students, which are typically around £32,000, would not meet the new eligibility requirements.
Professor Nick Talbot, from the Sainsbury Laboratory, expressed concerns that it will be much harder to recruit young scientists due to the new requirements. He stated that science drives economic growth and that the policy will have a negative impact, particularly in the long term, unless there is a re-think by ministers. Additionally, the University of East Anglia has highlighted that the changes are resulting in a decline in the number of international students applying to study in the UK, which has a significant impact on the UK’s economy and various local businesses.
The changes are part of a package of measures that will come into effect in the spring of 2024. Home Secretary James Cleverly has justified the changes as a way to tackle exploitation across the immigration system. However, the concerns raised by the University of East Anglia and the Sainsbury Lab indicate that the new requirements could have numerous negative consequences, including hindering the recruitment of talented individuals and impacting the UK’s economy. The fear is that fewer international students will result in a loss of revenue for the UK and businesses in various sectors. Ultimately, the impact of these changes will need to be carefully monitored in the coming years.
