By Crystal Dias, Lawyer at Lawyery

In the diverse mix of people in the UK, the Filipino community is known for its important roles, especially in healthcare and social care. As a lawyer focusing on immigration and family law at Lawyery Solicitors, a firm I started with Christopher Dias, my work is closely connected to the well-being of this community. At Lawyery, we aim to provide practical legal help, guiding through the complicated immigration laws to protect the interests of our diverse clients.

The UK is thinking about big changes to immigration, and this worries many Filipino migrants. Even though these ideas are not official yet, the possible effects, especially on family visas and the rights of skilled workers to bring their families here, need careful attention.

One big proposal is to raise the minimum salary for work visas to £35,000. This change, likely due to the increasing number of people moving here, could be tough for the Filipino community. It’s not just about money; it’s personal. Many Filipinos working in care jobs might find it hard to meet this new salary rule. This could make it tough for them to bring their families, like spouses and children, which might break up families and mess up long-term plans to live in the UK.

The impact goes beyond money. The UK has become a home for many Filipinos, a place where they’ve worked hard for years and built close ties. Stricter rules on family visas bring up important questions about including everyone, family values, and recognising the crucial role these migrants play in the UK.

My advice to Filipino migrants, especially those with skilled jobs, is to act now if you want to bring your family here. The chance to do this might get smaller with these proposed changes. Taking action is crucial to keeping families together and continuing to contribute to the UK.

Dealing with this situation needs more than just knowing the laws; it needs understanding and a strong commitment to the community’s well-being. As a Filipino lawyer who speaks Tagalog, my experiences have prepared me to understand and represent the community well. At Lawyery, we’re not just doing legal work; we’re standing up for families, dreams, and a diverse society where everyone’s contributions matter.