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UK Immigration Rules: Essential Info for Sri Lankan Expats

16 Oct 2024


Are you excited to learn about the updated immigration policies that can help you settle as soon as possible and make a swift money transfer to Sri Lanka? A large number of Sri Lankan diaspora live in the UK. According to recent research by the Sri Lankan High Commission, almost 700,00 Sri Lankans live in the UK, marking a significant number. The high standard of living in Great Britain attracts everyone. Sri Lankan people have also moved to the UK to enjoy a high quality of life there.

Usually, highly qualified Sri Lankans move to the UK to find good jobs with good payback. To control the number of Sri Lankan expatriates, the UK embassy updates the immigration rules, requirements, and policies. The recent changes in visa and work permit requirements have changed many things. The new policies were imposed in 2024. One of the significant changes is that from now on, people cannot bring their dependents with them. Before that, coworkers or students were allowed to take dependents with them, but now, only a single individual can migrate to the UK. Read the article below to learn the new policies and rules of the UK:

Updated Immigration Policies of the UK for Sri Lankan

As a Sri Lankan, you must stay updated on UK remittance policies. It is necessary to check the policies so you can make your decisions accordingly. These policies are also defined for already working expats and new immigrants. So, if you are working and making an online money transfer from UK to Sri Lanka, then you must learn about the following policies.

Changes in the Skilled Worker Visa

One of the standard visas in the UK is the skilled worker visa. It comes with a UK scoring system and evaluates your skills regarding employment, salary, job offers, and language proficiency. Updated policies have brought changes in the skilled worker visa, such as:

  • You can only get a visa if you get a job from an approved, verified UK employer
  • You must have a valid sponsor who is an employer in the UK, and you must be approved if you want a sponsorship.
  • You must secure a job with a minimum salary of £38,700 or more to get the visa.
  • You must achieve a minimum of 6 bands in IELTS or equivalent. This means that you must have a firm grasp of the English language.
  • Only skilled work visa holders can bring dependants

Increase of Immigration Health Surcharge

To get a visa to the UK, immigrants need to pay a healthcare fee, known as an Immigration Health Surcharge. Each person has to pay a certain amount, which has increased to £1,035. You may have to repay the fee when it expires. IHS is paid for a particular period, so Sri Lankan expats must know the increase in cost and pay it accordingly.

Social Care Visa Requirements

A social care visa is a particular category of skills worker visa. The care workers and senior care workers in the UK hold this visa. You can work as a caretaker through this visa and earn handsome salaries. You can also send money to Sri Lanka to Sri Lanka and sponsor them. According to new policies, only an approved and senior care worker can sponsor social care visas for immigrants. No social care worker is allowed to bring dependents with them. However, previous caretakers can stay with their dependents.

Family Visa Rules and Policies

The family visa requirements have also been changed. You must show proof of income and get a job with a minimum salary of £38,700. Before the upgrade, the income requirement was £29,000.

No More Dependants Allowed

First, in the UK, migrants were allowed to take dependents. These dependants are permitted to work in any field without a dependent visa. Although immigrants previously living with dependents can continue living, from now on, no dependents are allowed other than in specified cases.

Clearance of Language Proficiency Test

One of the significant requirements for Sri Lankan expats is to clear a language proficiency test. To enter the country, you must clear IELTS, TOEFL, or any equivalent test. Learning language tests can also help you get a translation job, which can be an additional source of income. High proficiency in the English language will help you get good jobs, and you can make an instant money transfer from UK to Sri Lanka to support your family.

Immigrant Salaries Rules and Policies

Due to the shortage of occupation, a new SOL has been created. All the immigrant's salaries have changed. The minimum salary threshold is £23,200 (Health and Care Visa), or £30,960 (Skilled Worker Visa) applies. You must get jobs with a minimum of these salaries to get a visa to the UK.

Bank Statement and Minimum Balance

To get immigration, you must maintain a minimum bank balance. You can reach consultants or the embassy to learn the minimum bank balance requirement. Every case has a different requirement. Always get a recent bank statement so you can get the visa quickly.

Factors to Consider Before Moving to the UK

Before moving to the UK, you must learn to consider the exchange rates. There is a considerable difference between the currencies. One pound of the UK is equal to 391 Sri Lankan rupees. Therefore, correctly calculate your immigration cost. Always consider the following things before moving to the UK:

  • Get original identity documents and proof of your residency.
  • Learn the exchange rates.
  • Look for affordable remittance services.
  • Open a bank account to keep your money. 
  • Stay updated about the immigration policies.
  • Get a job before leaving your country.
  • Secure your things to maintain safety.
  • Learn about the requirements for your visa.
  • Look for ways to stay connected with your family.
  • Look for the cheapest way to send money from the UK to Sri Lanka.
  • Reserve your accommodation before landing in the UK.

Sri Lankan expats must learn about immigration rules to have a successful visa. However, the UK has changed immigrant rules, such as a revised policy for immigrant salary and dependent criteria. The visa prices have been increased, and the requirements for a skilled visa, family visa, and social work visa area have been revised. In most cases, you cannot bring dependents. Therefore, you must learn the policies and rules to plan accordingly. You must know about document requirements such as identity proof, personal statement, bank statement, and clearance of language proficiency test.

Visa Essentials: What Sri Lankan Expats Need to Know Before Moving to the UK

Sri Lankan expats move to the UK to improve their lifestyles. The diverse land of the UK offers multiple opportunities to expats worldwide. You can enhance your skills, earn money, and achieve stability in the UK. Before moving to the UK, learn about all types of visas. However, the UK has made many changes in immigrant policies. Therefore, stay updated with the new policies to choose the right one. New policies have the most negligible impact on existing expats. Consider checking the new tax policies if you already work in the UK.

Learn about healthcare charges, minimum salary requirements, and visa details and requirements. Ensure you have all the original documents to get the visa. Explore job portals and stay updated with job markets to immediately avail yourself of the opportunities. Consider having a bank account so you can align your finances. Learn about currency rates and how they work when you convert Sri Lankan rupees. Keep an eye on exchange rates, invest in a business, or send money to Sri Lanka online from UK. ACE Money Transfer supports Sri Lankan expats in making quick remittance transactions to Sri Lanka from the UK.

FAQs

What are the immigration rules of the UK?

Immigration rules are designed to control who can enter and stay in the country. The rules depend on the type of visa. The UK follows strict immigration policies, such as requiring original identity documents, getting a job, and maintaining a minimum bank balance.

What things are necessary for immigrants to learn before moving to the UK?

Before moving to the UK, you must learn about the exchange rates and understand the currency exchange system, immigrant policies, cost of living, immigrant rights, tax policies, and health care requirements. 

How do you send money from the UK to Sri Lanka?

You can send money to Sri Lanka from the UK through online banks, digital wallets, mobile apps, or online remittance services such as ACE Money Transfer. You can also use traditional banks and money orders.

What are the types of visas in the UK?

Numerous types of visas are available in the UK, including student visas, work visas, social work visas, family visas, skilled worker visas, visitor visas, and global talent visas.

How does ACE Money Transfer facilitate Sri Lankan expats?

ACE facilitates Sri Lankan expats by providing favorable exchange rates, multiple transaction methods, and fast and affordable real-time transactions. You can also have the first fee-free transfer to your home through ACE.

Reference Links:

https://srilankahc.uk/2024/05/02/sri-lanka-high-commission-in-the-uk-achieves-milestone-with-consular-divisions-income-surpassing-100000-in-april/

https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/impacts-changes-uk-immigration-policy#:~:text=As%20of%206%20February%202024,Immigrational%20Health%20Surcharge%20(IHS).


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