Rules for UK nationals to bring home foreign spouses changed after outcry

Ministers have watered down plans to increase salary threshold for those bringing a foreign spouse to the UK to £38,000 documents suggest.

Home Office small print indicates the salary threshold will be increased to £29,000 – almost £10,000 lower than initially announced at the start of the month

Ministers unveiled changes to legal migration rules which would have prevented most UK national from brining a foreign husband, wife or partner to live in the UK.

Only those earning £38,700 or more would be entitled to sponsor dependants under the new regime, due to be implemented next year – more than double the current salary threshold of £18,600.

The announcement sparked outcry from those concerned it would force all but wealthy families apart.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said at the time that the change would “ensure that people only bring dependants who they can support financially”.