The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has released a detailed review into the UK’s financial thresholds for family visas, following a government request in September 2024. The review carries significant implications for British citizens and settled residents seeking to reunite with family members under current immigration rules.

 

While recent government proposals had suggested aligning the Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) with the Skilled Worker salary threshold of £38,700, the MAC firmly advises against this increase. Instead, it recommends a more moderate income range — between £19,000 and £28,000 per year — and calls for systemic reforms to better reflect both the economic realities and human rights considerations at play.

 

Family Separation and Social Impact

At the heart of the report is a candid acknowledgment of the real-world consequences of the MIR, particularly its effects on families and children. The MAC received over 2,000 personal submissions — the highest ever response to a consultation — many of which spoke of emotional distress, prolonged separation, financial instability, and serious impacts on children’s mental health and development.

 

The committee highlights that, while the current system aims to reduce the fiscal burden of migration, it often does so at significant social cost. British children separated from one parent, and families navigating prolonged visa hurdles, face disproportionate hardship. The MAC urges the Home Office to take these outcomes more seriously in shaping future policy.

 

International Comparisons and Legal Context

The MAC notes that the UK’s current £29,000 threshold is relatively high by international standards. Other high-income countries often apply more family-friendly approaches, placing greater weight on the importance of family life over strict economic self-sufficiency — even where they are not bound by the European Convention on Human Rights.

 

The report frames this as not only a legal issue but a moral one: suggesting that supporting families is, fundamentally, “the right thing to do.”

 

Economic Realities and the Fiscal Debate

From an economic perspective, the MAC challenges the assumption that all family visa applicants must be net fiscal contributors. It points out that around half of the UK population pays less in taxes than they receive in public services, meaning the current expectations placed on migrant families are unusually high.

It also emphasises that families earning below-average incomes can still be financially independent and avoid reliance on public funds. Therefore, a strict fiscal lens may not accurately capture the long-term benefits of allowing families to reunite and contribute to society.

 

Key Recommendations

In addition to recommending a moderate income range of £19,000–£28,000, the MAC suggests several key reforms:

• Consider both incomes: In out-of-country applications, only the UK sponsor’s income is currently counted. The MAC advises the government to include the applicant’s income, especially where a verifiable UK job offer exists.
• Remove added income requirements for children: Recognising the “particularly significant” impact on children, the MAC advises against any additional income thresholds for families with children.
• Review the Parent Route: The committee recommends revisiting eligibility rules to allow non-partnered parents of British children to qualify, regardless of relationship status.
• Simplify financial evidence: The current requirement for six months of payslips and bank statements is seen as overly burdensome. The MAC suggests families should not face separation due to administrative delays.
• Replace the Adequate Maintenance Test: Described as “incoherent and unnecessarily complex”, the MAC proposes replacing this test with either a simplified formula or a focus solely on housing suitability.
• Exclude London salary data if necessary: If regional inequality is a concern, the committee suggests excluding London from national income benchmarks to produce a more balanced national MIR.

A Shift Toward Balance and Compassion

This report marks a potential turning point in UK family migration policy. The MAC makes clear that family reunification should not be seen solely through the lens of fiscal impact. Instead, a humane, balanced approach — one that considers both economic contributions and social cohesion — is essential.

 

As the Home Office considers next steps, it is clear that any adjustments to the MIR must be made with care. Transparency, proportionality, and a renewed focus on family welfare are key to achieving a fairer and more sustainable system.

It will be interesting to observe how many of the Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendations the Home Office chooses to adopt, and how these decisions will ultimately shape the future landscape of family migration in the UK.

 

If you need advice or assistance with a UK family settlement visa application, please contact us — our experienced immigration team is ready to support you through every step of the process.