On 10 June 2025, the UK’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) released an important report commissioned by the UK government on what the correct level should be for the UK family visa income requirement in 2025. This report responds to the Home Secretary’s commission to review the Minimum Income Requirement (MIR), which rose from £18,600 to £29,000 in April 2024, with further increases planned by the previous Conservative government.
The Proposed Increase and Its Implications
Under previous Conservative plans, the income requirement for UK family visas was set to rise from £29,000 to £38,700, aligning it with the salary threshold for skilled worker visas. However, the MAC has criticised this approach, arguing that it conflates family migration with economic migration, which serve different policy objectives. The committee highlighted that such an increase could disproportionately affect families, particularly those with children, and may breach human rights laws—specifically Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to family life.
MAC’s Recommendations
In response, the MAC proposed a revised income threshold for sponsoring a partner on a family visa. The recommended range is between £24,000 and £28,000 per year, a significant reduction from the planned £38,700 and lower than the current MIR of £29,000. This recommendation directly affects the UK family visa income requirement in 2025 and aims to strike a balance between ensuring families can support themselves without relying on public funds, while also acknowledging the emotional and social consequences of family separation—especially for children.
Balancing Economic and Social Considerations
The MAC’s report highlights the importance of distinguishing between family and economic migration policies. While economic migration policies focus on labour market needs, family migration policies must prioritise family unity and well-being. The recommendations on the 2025 UK family visa financial threshold reflect a more nuanced approach that takes into account both economic realities and social responsibilities.
Future Outlook
The UK government is currently reviewing the MAC’s recommendations. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has indicated that the government will carefully consider the committee’s findings before making any further changes to the MIR. The outcome of this review will significantly impact thousands of families seeking to reunite in the UK under the UK family visa income requirement in 2025.
The MAC’s June 2025 report represents a pivotal moment in the UK’s approach to family migration. By recommending a more reasonable income threshold, the committee advocates for immigration policies that support family life and well-being. As the government considers these proposals, it faces the challenge of balancing economic objectives with the right to family life.
The recent immigration White Paper indicated that changes to the family route would be introduced by the end of 2025. Therefore, it is likely that a decision regarding the financial requirement will be made within this timescale—if not sooner.
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