Home Secretary Priti Patel will launch a new points-based immigration system on Wednesday with a salary threshold that could hit sectors like hospitality and care.
The new system, which takes effect from 1 January 2021, will end free movement and reassert control of UK borders.
It will assign points for specific skills, qualifications, salaries or professions and visas will only be awarded to those who gain enough points.
All applicants will be required to have a job offer and the minimum salary threshold will be set at £25,600.
Foreign workers will also need to meet criteria like the ability to speak English.
The UK Government said it will end the reliance on cheap, low-skilled labour coming into the country.
But this could impact on the hospitality industry where many roles may not hit the wage threshold. Some care providers may also be affected.
The Government said overall levels of migration will be reduced, with tighter security.
The new single global system will treat EU and non-EU citizens equally.
It will give top priority to those with the highest skills and the greatest talents, including scientists, engineers and academics.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Today is a historic moment for the whole country.
“We’re ending free movement, taking back control of our borders and delivering on the people’s priorities by introducing a new UK points-based immigration system, which will bring overall migration numbers down.
“We will attract the brightest and the best from around the globe, boosting the economy and our communities, and unleash this country’s full potential.”
Skilled workers will need to meet a number of relevant criteria, including specific skills and the ability to speak English, to be able to work in the UK.
The new points-based system will also expand the skills threshold for skilled workers. Those looking to live and work in the UK will now need to be qualified up to A-level or equivalent, rather than degree-level under the current system.
They said this will provide greater flexibility and ensure UK business has access to a wide pool of skilled workers.
It is estimated 70% of the existing EU workforce would not meet the requirements of the skilled worker route, which the Government says will help to bring overall numbers down in future.
Student visa routes will also be points-based and be opened up to EU citizens.
Those wishing to study in the UK will need to demonstrate that they have an offer from an approved educational institution, that they can support themselves financially and that they speak English.
In addition, the Seasonal Workers Pilot will also be expanded in time for the 2020 harvest from 2,500 to 10,000 places, responding to the specific temporary requirements of the agricultural sector.
Those EU citizens resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 can still apply to settle in the UK through the EU Settlement Scheme until June 2021.
