New UK Entry Requirements for Foreigners in 2024: A Brief Overview on Key Changes

Beginning in early 2024, the UK government implemented changes to certain visa routes and released significant revisions to its Immigration Rules as part of efforts to reduce net migration levels. These reforms have impacted the UK entry requirements for some immigration routes, including the Standard Visitor, Study, Family, and Skilled Worker visas.

What are the New UK Entry Requirements for Foreigners in 2024?

On 31 January 2024, the government expanded the permitted activities for individuals entering the UK on the Standard Visitor Visa route. Under the new rules, visitors can now undertake remote work relating to their employment overseas, provided it is not the primary purpose of their visit.

The previous rules on intra-corporate activities allowed business visitors to undertake projects with the UK-based branch of their overseas business, provided no work is carried out directly with the organisation’s clients. However, the new rules removed this restriction, and visitors can work directly with clients if it is related to their overseas employment, as long as it is not the primary purpose of their visit.

Academics conducting research in the UK for up to 6 months are no longer required to be on sabbatical leave. Only those applying for the 12-month Visitor visa are expected to be on sabbatical leave from their home institution to conduct research in the UK.

Also, legal professionals can now provide legal services beyond merely advising UK-based clients on international litigations. Furthermore, the Permitted Paid Engagement route has been absorbed into the Standard Visitor Visa route.

In November 2023, the government launched the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for Qatar citizens visiting the UK for up to 6 months. In February and September 2024, it expanded the ETA requirements to over 80 countries.

Anyone wishing to travel to the UK from a visa-exempt country, except Irish citizens, must apply for an eTA before their trip. Eligible Europeans can apply for the ETA from 5 March 2025 and will need to present it at the UK border from 2 April 2025, while non-Europeans can apply from 27 November 2024 and must present it starting 8 January 2025 at the UK port of entry.

On 1 January 2024, the government restricted international students, except PhD students, from bringing dependents into the UK. The ban on dependents was extended to care workers and senior care workers on 11 March 2024. All care homes in England are also now mandated to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in order to sponsor migrant workers.

On 6 February 2024, the annual Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) increased 66%, from £624 to £1,035. Similarly, the discounted rate for students and minors increased from £470 to £776.

Other significant immigration changes became effective in April 2024. On the 4th, the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker Visa rose from £26,200 to £38,700 per annum, and the Shortage Occupation List was replaced with the Immigration Salary List.

On 6 April, the Home Office abolished the requirement to renew sponsor licences. Furthermore, the income requirement for partners on the Family Visa route rose from £18,600 to £29,000.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.