The number of overseas workers and students applying to come to the UK has seen a significant decline following the introduction of visa curbs by the previous government. In July, the number of workers and their family members applying for skilled worker, health and care, and study visas fell by more than a third compared to the previous year, totaling 91,300 applications. This decline has been particularly noticeable in health and care visa applications, which saw an 82% drop to 2,900 in July, while study visa applications fell by 15% to 69,500.
These figures suggest that overall immigration numbers are likely to decrease significantly in the coming years. Net migration reached a record high of 764,000 in 2022, with inflows remaining above historical averages at 685,000 last year. The Conservative government, under Rishi Sunak, implemented policies that banned family members from accompanying those coming to study in the UK and those on health and care visas. The Labour party has indicated that they have no plans to reverse these policies.
The University of Oxford’s Migration Observatory has projected that net migration will continue to decline over the next five years, reaching approximately 350,000 by 2030. This decrease is expected to be driven by more people leaving Britain, a reduction in the number of overseas students arriving in the UK, and a decline in private sector job vacancies. However, this decline in numbers could lead to significant challenges for universities and the health and social care sector, as they may struggle to cope with declining revenues and recruitment issues.
The overall number of people applying to come to the UK as skilled workers, healthcare workers, or students has dropped from 143,000 in July last year to 91,300 in July this year, representing a 36% decrease. The Conservative government also implemented stricter rules around which companies are permitted to sponsor visas, aiming to prevent abuse of the system.
Labour has announced plans to introduce legislation to improve pay and conditions in the social care sector, addressing concerns about the impact of visa curbs on the workforce. In January, the Conservatives banned international students from bringing family members unless they were enrolled in postgraduate research courses. A Home Office spokesperson emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing high levels of legal migration by addressing the root causes of high international recruitment and ensuring a fair and controlled immigration system that benefits the UK.
In conclusion, the decline in overseas workers and students applying to come to the UK reflects the impact of visa curbs introduced by the previous government. While these policies aim to reduce net migration levels, they may also pose challenges for sectors reliant on international talent. It remains to be seen how the government will navigate these issues and balance the benefits of immigration with the need for a controlled and fair system.