Carmichael backs Lords concerns over hike in family visa income requirements

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael has today backed concerns raised by a cross-party House of Lords committee over plans to increase the income required for UK citizens to bring a partner to the UK. 

The changes raise the Minimum Income Requirement for such family visas from £18,600 to £29,000, as part of a plan to increase it to £38,700 by early 2025. The Home Office argues that this will ensure that families with migrants are self-sufficient, although such migrants are already unable to access government benefits.

The Committee raised questions about the fairness of the changes, as the increase will tend to have a greater effect on demographic groups whose average incomes are lower. In much of the country the new £29,000 MIR will be only just below average earnings, and, when the further increase to £38,700 is implemented, the threshold is likely to be well above average earnings. In contrast, in London, the threshold is likely to remain below average earnings. This means that a person living in London is much more likely to be entitled to bring their partner to the UK than someone elsewhere in the country.

In responding to the report, Mr Carmichael praised the ongoing work done by advocacy groups and individuals to highlight the harm caused by the new rules, such as Mathew Nicolson from Shetland whose partner has been affected by the rule changes.

Mr Carmichael said:

“This week’s report from the Lords goes to highlight again the harm the government is causing to families up and down the country with these plans. In the past months I have heard more and more heartbreaking tales from people affected by this cruel and pointless policy. If Conservative claims to support “family values” ever held water, they are in tatters now.

“This Tory government has gone down a dark path in continually pushing a hostile narrative about immigrants in our country. They have enabled the worst instincts of their party, even if it has brought them little benefit.

“In the isles we all know someone who is an immigrant to the UK, or who is married to one. We all know them in our local businesses, our health service and far more besides. They are valued members of our community. Over the years I have helped hundreds of constituents with immigration issues. It is one of the most rewarding parts of the job because you can see the direct benefit going to families who are putting down roots right here.

“I have to praise the work of people like Mathew Nicolson who has continued to advocate for issues around the visa threshold. He is a prime example of the sort of person affected by these unreasonable rule changes – someone who is clearly contributing to our country and yet is being penalised for who he loves. An immigration system which turns away people like that is clearly not fit for purpose.”