This is yet another result of that nutty woman of UK politics, Home Secretary Theresa May’s (pictured above) skewed view of how immigration legislation should work. Her department drafted a law all the way back in 2012 with the aim to restrict UK immigration with the assistance of some restrictive rules aimed at non-EU citizens. As we all know, Saffas are non-EU citizens and expats working and living in the UK will feel the brunt of these new rules as it kicks in this April (2016).
The rules will require non-EU workers to be earning above R837,000 a year (calculated from £35,000 at an exchange rate of £1/R23.92) if they have been in the UK for 5 years or more to qualify to be able to stay on. If not – they will be deported. This new threshold is nearly £15,000 more than the current threshold of £20,800, which is almost £5,000 less than the average UK salary. Thee average UK income is £26,500 per annum, according to The Independent newspaper.
A online petition is trying to stop the proposed regulations. Should you be a UK citizen, you are allowed to sign it. To do so, click here. If the petition reaches 100,00 signatures before July, it will be considered for debate in parliament.
How do you know you are in trouble? If you answer yes to these questions below, chances are you are facing a long-haul flight home.
1. Am I yet to apply for or be granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (IDL)?
2. Have I been living in the UK for more than 5 years?
3. Am I earning less than £35,000 a year?
