The number of people applying to work or study in the UK has seen a significant drop following visa restrictions introduced by the previous government. In July, the number of applications from overseas workers and students fell by over a third, totaling 91,300 compared to the previous year.
The most pronounced decline was in the health and care sector, where visa applications plummeted by 82%, reaching only 2,900 in July. Meanwhile, the number of individuals applying to study in the UK dropped by 15%, with 69,500 applications recorded.
These trends suggest that overall immigration figures are set to decrease significantly. Net migration, which hit a record high of 764,000 in 2022, remained above historical averages at 685,000 last year.
The Conservative government, under Rishi Sunak, has banned students and those on health and care visas from bringing family members to the UK. The Labour Party has indicated that it has no intention of reversing this policy.
Initial figures from the Home Office for July revealed a 15% reduction in sponsored student visa applications, continuing a downward trend that began earlier this year. These policies might help Prime Minister Keir Starmer fulfill his pledge to reduce the “sky-high” levels of net migration.
Experts from the University of Oxford’s Migration Observatory predict that net migration will continue to decrease significantly over the next five years, potentially dropping to around 350,000 by 2030. This reduction is expected to be driven by several factors, including an increase in people leaving Britain, a decline in overseas students arriving in the UK, and fewer job openings in the private sector.
However, there are concerns about the impact of this decline. The think tank has warned of potential “trade-offs,” such as universities struggling with reduced revenue and the health and social care sector facing challenges in recruitment.
The total number of people applying for skilled worker, healthcare, or study visas fell from 143,000 in July last year to 91,300 this July, representing a 36% decrease.
Former Home Secretary James Cleverly announced in March a ban on care workers bringing their partners and children to the UK. Additionally, the Conservative government tightened regulations on which companies could sponsor visas, addressing concerns over possible abuse of the system.
Labour has proposed legislation aimed at improving pay and conditions in the social care sector. In January, the Conservatives also imposed a ban on international students bringing family members to the UK, unless they are enrolled in postgraduate research courses.
A Home Office spokesperson told the Times, “We have set out a clear plan to bring down historically high levels of legal migration by addressing the root causes of high international recruitment. By linking immigration with the labor market and skills systems, we aim to train our homegrown workforce and address skill shortages. Immigration offers many benefits to the UK, but it must be controlled and managed through a fair system.”
FAQs:
- Why has the number of applications to work or study in the UK dropped?
The decrease in applications is primarily due to new visa restrictions implemented by the previous government. These restrictions, including bans on bringing family members for those on certain visas, have discouraged many from applying. - What sectors are most affected by the decline in visa applications?
The health and care sector has seen the most significant impact, with an 82% drop in visa applications. There has also been a notable decrease in the number of students applying to study in the UK. - How will this decline affect the UK in the long term?
Experts predict that the drop in immigration could lead to challenges in various sectors, such as universities and the health and social care industry, as they may struggle with recruitment and financial pressures. However, the government argues that the measures will help train the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on international recruitment.
