Family Ties: Why the £29,000 Income Rule Is a Boon for Indians, But Not Everyone

The UK government's decision to raise the minimum income requirement (MIR) for family visas in April 2024—from £18,600 to £29,000 annually—marked a significant shift in immigration policy. With plans to further raise the threshold to £38,700 in 2025, many feared the pathway to family reunification would become even narrower. However, the Home Secretary paused this proposed hike in August 2024, maintaining the MIR at £29,000 pending a formal review by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). As of mid-2025, the threshold remains unchanged, and this pause has brought both relief and debate across immigrant communities.

For Indian nationals, who accounted for the second-largest group of family visa applicants in recent years, the freeze offers critical breathing room. Many professionals from India—especially those in healthcare, IT, and engineering—are better positioned to meet the current requirement. The pause also adds much-needed predictability, giving cross-border couples additional time to prepare financially, plan reunification, or save accordingly. In this sense, the rule freeze has proven to be a silent win for many Indian families navigating an already complex immigration system.

That said, the benefits are not evenly distributed. The £29,000 income threshold remains a steep climb for low-wage workers in regions like Wales, Northern Ireland, and the North of England, where average salaries often fall below national figures. Families in these areas—especially where only one partner is earning—continue to face disproportionate challenges. Organizations such as Reunite Families UK have highlighted the toll this takes on children, with data showing that nearly 67% of them see their non-UK parent less than once a year due to MIR-related barriers. Human rights advocates argue that the policy may infringe on Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to family life.

The June 2025 MAC report has recommended adjusting the MIR to a range between £23,000 and £28,000, suggesting a potential compromise that better balances family unity with economic concerns. It also proposes counting both partners' income toward eligibility, which would ease the burden on single sponsors. A lowered threshold could significantly broaden access, helping minimum-wage workers qualify while promoting family reunification and reducing emotional and financial strain. The MAC anticipates that this adjustment would lead to a modest uptick in migration of just 1–3%, a trade-off many believe is worth making.

For now, Indian sponsors are advised to plan based on the existing £29,000 threshold. While a revision may be on the horizon, it isn’t guaranteed. Those currently applying should gather comprehensive financial records, including joint savings, alternate income streams, and any childcare responsibilities that support the legitimacy of their case. Staying informed of upcoming government decisions later in 2025 will be key to capitalizing on possible improvements.

In summary, the paused threshold has provided welcome stability for many Indian applicants, but it also exposes the uneven impact of income-based immigration rules. As the UK considers more inclusive policies, the hope is not just to offer momentary relief, but to foster long-term fairness for families of all economic backgrounds.