- Sharp Decline in Work Visas: Work visas for the NHS and social care sectors fell by over 80% in the past year, with only 89,085 approved, compared to previous figures (BBC News).
- Impact of New Immigration Rules: The significant drop follows new restrictions introduced by former Home Secretary James Cleverly, including stricter salary requirements for foreign workers and their families.
- Decrease in Student Visas: The number of foreign student visas issued dropped by 13% to 432,000, and family visas for students fell by 81% in the first half of 2024.
- Labour’s Migration Goals: The Labour government aims to reduce net migration and reliance on foreign labor, focusing on improving workforce training in key sectors like health and construction.
Dramatic Decline in Work Visas
In a significant turn of events, the number of foreign workers arriving in the UK for NHS and social care roles has dropped dramatically. Official statistics show a staggering 80% reduction in work visas for these sectors. Specifically, only 89,085 visas were approved in the year ending June 2024, a steep decline from the previous year’s figures (BBC News).
| Sector | Visas Granted | Change from Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| NHS and Social Care | 89,085 | Down 80% |
| Overall Work Visas | 286,382 | Down 11% |
New Immigration Rules Drive Change
The sharp decline follows new immigration rules introduced by former Home Secretary James Cleverly. These regulations, enacted in December, were designed to curb immigration by implementing stricter minimum salary requirements for both workers and their families. The rules were part of a broader effort to reduce overall immigration figures and address concerns over high net migration levels.
Impact on Student Visas
The decrease in foreign workers is paralleled by a decline in student visas. In the year ending June 2024, 432,000 visas were granted to international students, reflecting a 13% drop. Additionally, the number of family visas granted to students saw an extraordinary 81% decline in the first half of 2024.
| Visa Type | Visas Granted | Change from Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visas | 432,000 | Down 13% |
| Family Visas | Declined by 81% | – |
Labour’s Commitment to Reducing Migration
The new Labour government, which came into power earlier this year, has pledged to address the challenges of immigration. Labour aims to reduce net migration and reliance on foreign labor, with a particular focus on enhancing workforce training in essential sectors like health and construction. They have not set a specific target but are committed to a more sustainable approach.
Asylum Applications Fall Amidst Backlog
Asylum applications in the UK have also decreased by 8%, with 97,000 seeking refuge in the year to June. However, the backlog of unresolved asylum cases remains high at 118,882, a consequence of the previous government’s suspension of most asylum processing and controversial plans to deport individuals to Rwanda.
| Asylum Applications | Applications | Change from Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| Total Applications | 97,000 | Down 8% |
| Backlog of Cases | 118,882 | – |
Looking Forward
The recent shifts in UK immigration policy reflect a complex balancing act between addressing labor shortages and managing immigration levels. As the Labour government works to refine these policies, the impacts on various sectors—including healthcare and education—will continue to unfold, influencing the country’s approach to workforce and asylum challenges.
