Letter from the Home Secretary to Professor Brian Bell, 10 September 2024 (accessible)
Published 10 September 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mac-commissioned-to-review-family-visa-financial-requirements/letter-from-the-home-secretary-to-professor-brian-bell-10-september-2024-accessible
Home Secretary
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
Professor Brian Bell
Migration Advisory Committee
2nd Floor Peel Building
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
10 September 2024
Dear Professor Bell,
This Government is committed to bringing down net migration and creating a fair and coherent system – including on family migration policy.
The financial requirements for family visas include the Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) which is currently set at £29,000 and the adequate maintenance requirement. They are intended to maintain the economic wellbeing of the UK whilst respecting family life.
The previous government set out its intention to make two further increases to the MIR by early 2025, firstly to £34,500 and secondly to £38,700.
I would like you to review the financial requirements, and in particular, regarding the level of the Minimum Income Requirement, the previous Government’s proposals to increase it and any other related considerations that you believe are relevant.
Following your report, I will consider your recommendations and decide whether to implement any of those recommendations.
I would be grateful if the MAC could report on this by 9 months from now. This timescale is intended to allow time for a call to evidence to inform any conclusions.
Yours sincerely,
Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Home Secretary