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Family Visas: Income Requirement
20 January 2025
Lead MP
Irene Campbell
North Ayrshire and Arran
Lab
Responding Minister
Seema Malhotra
Tags
ImmigrationDefence
Word Count: 14438
Other Contributors: 21
At a Glance
Irene Campbell raised concerns about family visas: income requirement in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The petitioners ask the government to reconsider the proposed policy changes and work towards simplifying family migration rules that do not hinder integration into British society.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The petition gathered more than 100,000 signatures arguing that the minimum income requirement for family visas is inhumane. The income threshold was raised from £29,000 to £38,700, making it difficult for many families to be together and leading to a sense of second-class citizenship among applicants and sponsors.
Abtisam Mohamed
Lab
Sheffield Central
Ms. Mohamed questions why the £29,000 income threshold was chosen by the previous Government, noting that it does not prevent families from becoming a burden to taxpayers as suggested. Agreed that policies should not be discriminatory, based on proper rationale, and supported aligning income threshold with minimum wage.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Many of his constituents struggle with the increased income requirement, making it disproportionately difficult for families to be together.
Ayoub Khan
Lab
Worsley and Eccles South
Discussed disparity in earning capabilities across different regions of the UK and highlighted fairness issues regarding spouse visa policies. Ayoub Khan questions whether the income generated by working spouses would mean they are not entitled to receive benefits of any kind, but Katie Lam clarifies that after five years, individuals can qualify for welfare if granted indefinite leave to remain.
Brian Mathew
LD
Melksham and Devizes
Suggested that any minimum income requirement should not render immigrants unable to claim benefits.
Carla Denyer
Green
Bristol Central
Highlighted the negative impacts of increased family visa income requirements, citing a case where a constituent was forced to choose between separation and moving abroad. Emphasised regional inequality and economic harm caused by the policy.
Opher
Lab
Stroud
Dr Opher asks whether the policy of punitively attacking families was successful in reducing migration and about its effect on GDP.
Simon Opher
Lab
Stroud
Welcomed the Home Secretary’s review of family visa income requirements, calling for a reduction to the national living wage equivalent. Discussed misrepresentations about immigration and highlighted economic flaws in the policy.
Euan Stainbank
Lab
Falkirk
Asked if young people coming to the UK would be excluded under the proposed £38,700 threshold. The current system punishes those on lower and middle incomes who have done nothing except fall in love with somebody from another country. It risks exacerbating employment and skills challenges across the economy.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
Adds to the critique, pointing out that the policy disproportionately impacts women and single mothers working in low-wage economies outside London.
Imran Hussain
Ind
Bradford East
The hon. Member raised concerns about systemic inequality and argued that a fair requirement would align with the national living wage, highlighting the Centre for Cities report indicating lower earnings in areas like West Yorkshire. Agreed with the hon. Member about the high fees and long waiting periods for family visas, highlighting the impact on children's mental health. Highlighted additional complications caused by Home Office delays and bureaucracy. Raised concerns about delays in Home Office cases, emphasizing the need for swift processing.
Irene Campbell
SNP
Coatbridge and Chryston
Emphasised the importance of providing answers to families affected by the policy soon. Noted the consequences of long waiting times on families, particularly their children. Acknowledged the assistance from staff at the Petitions Committee and thanked groups such as Migration Observatory, Reunite Families UK, and Citizens Advice for guidance and research.
Katie Lam
Con
Weald of Kent
Acknowledged that net migration is unsustainable at record highs and questioned the impact on economic wellbeing.
Laurence Turner
Lab
Birmingham Northfield
Criticises the inflexibility of the visa system, highlighting its impact on families in lower-income areas where many cannot meet the £29,000 threshold.
Martin Rhodes
Lab
Glasgow North
My hon. Friend agrees that an underlying problem is not only the size of the proposed increase but also its arbitrary nature, affecting people's faith in the system.
Slough
Many families simply want to be together in the UK. He agrees that the hangover from the previous Conservative Government’s policy is extremely unfair, especially given the UK average wage.
Nick Timothy
Con
West Suffolk
Attempted to intervene but was informed he arrived late for the debate.
Seamus Logan
SNP
Aberdeenshire North and Moray East
Mr. Logan highlights how the current income requirement for family visas leads to unfilled social care positions, NHS workforce shortages, and difficulties in delivering care packages despite available funding. Seamus Logan criticises the Labour Party's stance on migration, suggesting that it slurs migrant workers as representing a net fiscal drain on the economy.
Seema Malhotra
Lab
Feltham and Heston
Discussed the review by the Migration Advisory Committee, highlighted safeguards in current rules, and mentioned issues raised regarding armed forces personnel. She also addressed concerns about impact assessments and public perception of immigration policies.
Tom Gordon
LD
Harrogate and Knaresborough
Highlighted the issue of disabled veterans being affected by high income thresholds. Urged the government to support these individuals when revising visa requirements. Tom Gordon questions whether it is jarring for Katie Lam to preach to the new Government about what they should do. Asked about the impact of personal independence payments on family visa applicants.
North East Fife
The hon. Member stated that the rules are counterproductive to family life and economic growth, particularly in areas where recruitment into in-demand professions is challenging due to visa restrictions.
Will Forster
LD
Woking
Acknowledged over 100,000 signatures nationally and nearly 200 in his constituency. Called for a fairer approach to family visas that works for everyone while respecting dignity. Emphasized the negative impact on families, particularly those with disabilities or lower incomes.
Government Response
Seema Malhotra
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department
Government Response
Confirmed the Government’s commitment to reducing net migration, noting it reached over 900,000 in the year ending June 2023. Explained that the minimum income requirement was introduced to ensure family migrants and sponsors are financially independent without burdening taxpayers. Discussed the review by the Migration Advisory Committee, highlighted safeguards in current rules, mentioned issues raised regarding armed forces personnel. Addressed concerns about impact assessments and public perception of immigration policies.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.