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Business Standard
22-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
UK immigration overhaul: Indians face new job, visa and salary rules
Indians working or planning to work and study in the United Kingdom must brace for sweeping changes in the immigration system, many of which come into effect from July 22, 2025. This is the first wave of changes following the Labour government's immigration white paper published in May 2025. Several Skilled Worker visa rules are being overhauled, with new restrictions on jobs, salary levels, and long-term settlement pathways. What's changing and who will it affect? According to an update from the UK Home Office, from July 22, all Skilled Worker roles must meet the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 6 benchmark, equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree. This change cuts out hundreds of jobs previously considered eligible. Around 180 roles—especially in hospitality, logistics, and care—will no longer qualify for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. These are sectors that often rely on positions below graduate level, such as care assistants, chefs, and delivery supervisors. However, there is a small reprieve for employers. Any Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued before July 21, 2025, will still be accepted under the current rules—even if the role no longer qualifies post-deadline. Salary thresholds are going up The minimum salary requirement is also being raised for several visa categories. For the Skilled Worker visa, the threshold is increasing from £38,700 (about ₹41.8 lakh) to £41,700 (about ₹45 lakh) annually. Other routes, including Global Business Mobility and Scale-up, will also see revised salary benchmarks. Crucially, all Skilled Worker visa holders applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after July 22 must meet the new salary threshold—even if they applied earlier under the old rules. Note: Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a UK immigration status that allows a person to live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions. It's a step towards permanent residency and, ultimately, British citizenship. There is no transitional relief. 'The new salary thresholds apply immediately for those seeking settlement, so employers must plan accordingly,' said a release by the UK government. What employers need to do now With the new system now live, employers are under pressure to act quickly to stay compliant and avoid disruption to staffing pipelines. Immediate steps include: • Issue CoS before July 21 for jobs affected by the new rules • Audit sponsored job roles to check if they meet RQF Level 6 • Update salary bands and HR budgets to reflect the new thresholds • Identify employees who are already on the Skilled Worker route and may still qualify under transitional arrangements • Review recruitment strategies and invest in upskilling local workers • Communicate clearly with existing staff on potential implications • Consult legal experts to minimise the risk of non-compliance More changes expected this year The white paper released in May outlines several additional proposals expected to roll out later in 2025. These include: • Increase in the Immigration Skills Charge • Revised English language eligibility standards • New family visa rules • Graduate Visa duration cut from 2 years to 18 months • Proposal to double the Skilled Worker settlement period from 5 years to 10 Ten-year wait for permanent residence? Under the government's 'earned settlement' model, most migrants would need to wait 10 years instead of the current 5 to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain. However, those making 'Points-Based contributions to the UK economy and society' may still qualify earlier. The Home Office has not yet explained how these points will be awarded or how much faster the accelerated route will be. 'We will consult on the earned settlement scheme later this year,' said Seema Malhotra, the UK minister for migration and citizenship in a written reply to Parliament. Who is exempt from the 10-year rule? So far, partners of British citizens and victims of domestic abuse have been confirmed as exempt. They can continue to qualify for ILR after five years. EU citizens protected under the EU Settlement Scheme will also retain their existing five-year pathway, as required under Article 15 of the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement. The Home Office has not yet confirmed whether other visa categories, such as the Hong Kong BN(O) route, will be exempt. Do the new settlement rules apply to existing visa holders? This is unclear. During a statement on May 12, 2025, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'We will set out further details of the earned settlement and citizenship reforms later this year, and we will consult on them'. She added: 'We want the settlement rules to be amended as swiftly as possible and to apply widely, but we will consult on the detail'. So far, the government has not said whether people already on existing visa routes will be affected or whether the ten-year requirement will apply only to new arrivals. Will MPs vote on these changes? According to an FAQ shared by the UK government, most of the changes will not be subject to a parliamentary vote. The UK immigration system is governed through Statements of Changes, which automatically take effect unless a motion of disapproval is passed within 40 days. In practice, this rarely happens. For example, the major visa changes introduced by the previous Conservative government in 2024 were not voted on, despite heated debate. However, changes requiring primary legislation—such as new levies on international students or amendments to citizenship law—will need Parliament's approval. Those are expected to be introduced in stages through separate bills.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
New UK Immigration rules from July 22: What's changing and how it matters
The UK government has published a sweeping Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules, due to take effect from 22 July 2025, marking the first wave of reforms from the government's landmark immigration white paper. The agenda? Build an immigration system that supports economic growth while drastically reducing net migration and UK businesses' reliance on overseas labour. While the broader white paper outlines systemic changes, the rules rolling out primarily target the Skilled Worker route, which is the pathway for migrant professionals. For employers and licensed sponsors, these changes will have a significant impact on hiring strategies, visa processing, and long-term workforce planning. So what exactly is changing? And what can employers do to prepare? Read more: Visa-free isn't always free: Countries that still charge entry fees and travel taxes Skills thresholds are rising From 22 July, the minimum skills threshold for Skilled Worker roles will increase substantially. All roles must now be at RQF Level 6—equivalent to a bachelor's degree. This update disqualifies a swathe of previously eligible jobs. What this means: Around 180 occupations will be removed from the eligibility list, affecting sectors such as hospitality, logistics, and care services that often rely on roles below the degree level. However, employers still have a short window to act. If a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is issued before 21 July 2025, even for roles that won't be eligible post-change, the application can still proceed under current rules. Salary thresholds are increasing too In addition to changes in skill level, salary thresholds are also being revised upwards across multiple work visa categories, including: Skilled Worker visa: From £38,700 to £41,700 per year Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes will also see updated minimum salary requirements. All Skilled Worker applicants seeking indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after 22 July 2025 must meet the new salary criteria—even if they applied under the old salary threshold. No transitional relief applies to salary changes—employers must ensure compliance immediately. Read more: Travel disruptions mount after Alaska Airlines grounds fleet; all key details here What employers should do now With less than a week left, employers need to move fast to stay compliant and minimize disruption. Here are key actions businesses and sponsors should take: Fast-track CoS issuance: Aim to submit any new or renewal applications under the current rules by 21 July 2025. Audit job roles: Check if your sponsored occupations meet the new RQF Level 6 criteria. Realign salary structures: Update offers, budgets, and HR systems to meet the new salary minimums. This applies immediately—no grace period. Map your workforce: Identify employees who will benefit from transitional provisions—i.e., those already sponsored under the Skilled Worker route before the changes. Rethink recruitment: The government wants employers to focus on domestic talent development. Revise hiring strategies and consider investing in upskilling programmes. Communicate with current visa holders: Ensure your existing sponsored workers understand how the new rules could affect their status, settlement timelines, or extensions. Consult legal experts: With increased scrutiny and compliance checks expected, seeking immigration legal advice could prevent costly errors. More changes are coming This July rollout is only the beginning. The white paper outlines further developments expected later this year, including: A hike in the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) Revised English language eligibility criteria A reworked family visa framework A shorter Graduate Visa validity—cut from 2 years to 18 months A proposed (but unconfirmed) doubling of the settlement period for Skilled Workers—from 5 to 10 years For employers, this is a wake-up call. A reactive approach will no longer suffice. With more complex compliance requirements and a shrinking pool of eligible overseas workers, proactive workforce planning is now essential. In short, if your business relies on global talent, this is the time to act—review your hiring processes, revise your visa pipeline, and prepare your teams for what's coming. The cost of inaction could mean losing access to key talent, or worse, falling foul of new immigration regulations.
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
What Ekurhuleni residents need to know about new electricity tariffs
The electricity tariff structure is regulated by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), requiring municipalities to review tariffs annually and conduct a Cost of Supply (CoS) study every five years. 'The latest tariff adjustments are in line with these requirements and reflect the findings of Ekurhuleni's most recent CoS study,' said CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini. Two main tariff options for residents For residential customers, the City offers two main tariff structures: 1. Tariff A: Inclined Block Tariff (IBT) This is split into two categories: Category A1 (Approved Indigent and Deemed Indigent Households): Best suited for low-consumption households. Customers receive 50kWh of free basic electricity (FBE) per month . No basic monthly charge applies. Category A2 (Non-Indigent, Low Consumption Customers): Does not include free basic electricity. A basic monthly charge will apply for the 2025/26 financial year: Single-phase supply: R109.78 per month Three-phase supply: R203.89 per month The City explained that this basic charge assists in recovering the costs of distributing electricity, maintaining infrastructure, and ensuring ongoing repairs. 2. Tariff B: Residential This option is suitable for medium to high consumption households and has been in place since 2018. It also includes a monthly basic charge: Single-phase supply: R109.78 per month Three-phase supply: R203.89 per month Residents encouraged to apply for indigent support Customers can choose the tariff option that best suits their consumption patterns but are required to remain on the selected tariff for a minimum of 12 months before switching. The City urged qualifying residents to apply for the indigent social package to benefit from subsidies and free basic electricity under Category A1. Keeping increases reasonable while ensuring reliability 'In setting tariffs for the new financial year, the City considered all factors within its control and aimed to keep increases reasonable and affordable while ensuring a continued and reliable electricity supply to residents.' 'We remain committed to transparency, regulatory compliance, and serving the best interests of our community,' said Dlamini. For further details on the City's electricity tariffs, residents are encouraged to visit the City of Ekurhuleni's official website or contact their nearest customer care centre.
Bangkok Post
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham says he can dissolve House
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai dismissed the Council of State's (CoS) opinion about the acting prime minister's power to dissolve the House of Representatives as just one of many legal views. His remarks on Monday followed media reports that the CoS told the July 3 special cabinet meeting that an acting prime minister had no legal authority to dissolve the House. Mr Phumtham, who is currently serving as the acting prime minister, said the CoS' opinion, given by its secretary-general, does not constitute a formal stance and is being treated as one of several legal views being considered after Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from duty, pending a court ruling. Ms Paetongtarn is accused of ethical misconduct over the leaked recording of her conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen about the ongoing border dispute. Questions have now arisen as to whether Mr Phumtham has the power to dissolve the House should Ms Paetongtarn eventually be removed from office by the Constitutional Court. According to Mr Phumtham, his power to dissolve the House is not the issue to focus on at this stage. "What we should focus on is how to work and deliver to fully secure public confidence. We should avoid [creating] uncertainty and speculation," he said. PM's Office Minister Chousak Sirinil said at this week's cabinet meeting, there was discussion on the acting prime minister's scope, but nothing more. Addressing a call by a group of northeastern MPs that cabinet ministers who are list-MPs should give up their MP status to allow those further down the list to move up and take their places, Mr Phumtham said the proposal was worth consideration. The proposal is intended to prevent a lack of quorum that has scuppered a number of House meetings recently, especially after the Bhumjaithai Party exited the coalition and left the government with a slim majority. He added that cabinet ministers whose role in the House is limited should step back to focus fully on ministerial work. "The proposal shouldn't create a problem and should be considered," he said.
Bangkok Post
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
DPM Phumtham says he can dissolve House
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai dismissed the Council of State's (CoS) opinion about the acting prime minister's power to dissolve the House of Representatives as just one of many legal views. His remarks on Monday followed media reports that the CoS told the July 3 special cabinet meeting that an acting prime minister had no legal authority to dissolve the House. Mr Phumtham, who is currently serving as the acting prime minister, said the CoS' opinion, given by its secretary-general, does not constitute a formal stance and is being treated as one of several legal views being considered after Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from duty, pending a court ruling. Ms Paetongtarn is accused of ethical misconduct over the leaked recording of her conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen about the ongoing border dispute. Questions have now arisen as to whether Mr Phumtham has the power to dissolve the House should Ms Paetongtarn eventually be removed from office by the Constitutional Court. According to Mr Phumtham, his power to dissolve the House is not the issue to focus on at this stage. "What we should focus on is how to work and deliver to fully secure public confidence. We should avoid [creating] uncertainty and speculation," he said. PM's Office Minister Chousak Sirinil said at this week's cabinet meeting, there was discussion on the acting prime minister's scope, but nothing more. Addressing a call by a group of northeastern MPs that cabinet ministers who are list-MPs should give up their MP status to allow those further down the list to move up and take their places, Mr Phumtham said the proposal was worth consideration. The proposal is intended to prevent a lack of quorum that has scuppered a number of House meetings recently, especially after the Bhumjaithai Party exited the coalition and left the government with a slim majority. He added that cabinet ministers whose role in the House is limited should step back to focus fully on ministerial work. "The proposal shouldn't create a problem and should be considered," he said.
