House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Legal Migration Implementation Update
30 January 2024 · Home Office
Proposed by Tom Pursglove Con Corby
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The government has restricted students from working before completing their studies and limited student visa holders bringing dependants, reducing future eligibility by approximately 300,000 people.
- The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is being phased in, with Qatar already requiring ETAs and GCC countries following on February 1, 2024.
- Legislation has been passed to increase the Immigration Health Surcharge by 66 percent, effective February 6, 2024.
Issue summary
The statement addresses measures to reduce net migration in the UK while maintaining a points-based system that prioritizes skills needed for economic growth.
Action requested
The government has implemented reforms restricting students from accessing work before completing their studies and limiting student visa holders bringing dependants, reducing future eligibility by around 300,000 people. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is being phased in with Qatar already requiring ETAs and the GCC countries to follow on February 1, 2024. Legislation has been passed to increase the Immigration Health Surcharge by 66% effective February 6, 2024.
Key facts
- Net migration in the year to June 2023 was 672,000.
- The ETA scheme is now a requirement for nationals of Qatar and will be extended to GCC countries and Jordan on 1 February 2024.
- Legislation has been passed to raise the Immigration Health Surcharge by 66% to £1,035 from 06 February 2024.