From 860,000 in 2023 to 431,000 in 2024, the UK’s net migration has drastically decreased, falling 49.9%. This was the biggest numerical drop for any 12-month period and the biggest percentage drop since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Fewer work and study visas are being granted, which is the reason for the drop in net migration. For the first time in about three years, the number of individuals entering the UK has dropped below one million, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). However, emigration has increased to levels seen in 2017.
Visa Restrictions
Early in 2024, government imposed limitations on who might enter the UK on a job or study visa. Among these limitations are:
– Restrictions on Student Visas: The majority of postgraduate students are no longer permitted to travel with dependents.
– Health and Care Worker Visa Restrictions: Care providers who sponsor migrant workers in England are required to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and care workers and senior care workers are not allowed to bring dependents with them.
– Changes to the Skilled Worker Visa: The overall income threshold for skilled worker visas has been raised to £38,700, a 48% increase.
Impact on Immigration
Decline in health and care work visas and student dependent visas was the primary cause of the 460,000 decrease in the number of visas issued to those traveling to the UK on work, study, family, or other visas in 2024. In particular:
– Health and Care Work Visas: From 348,000 in 2023 to 111,000 in 2024, the number of visas granted to health and care workers and their families decreased by 68%.
The number of student dependent visas decreased by around 121,000, or 85%, from 143,000 in 2023 to 22,000 in 2024.
Keir Starmer, the prime minister of Labour, wants to lower net migration even more. Improving work and study visas and raising the English proficiency requirement for all immigration pathways are part of his strategy. According to experts, this might lower the number by an additional 100,000 year. Starmer stressed the importance of greater integration, cautioning that the nation runs the risk of turning into a “island of strangers” without it.
The number of asylum seekers entering the UK, those who are traveling across the English Channel in small boats, has heightened the discussion over immigration. Even though it is much less than net migration statistics, roughly 37,000 people will cross in 2024 and it is still a controversial topic.
