fter implementation of changes in its Immigration policies, the United Kingdom government has reported that visa applications have decreased from 141,000 to 91,000, a drop of approximately 35.46%.
Recall that the UK government in December 2023, introduced to reduce immigration, which had reached a record 1.22 million.
These changes, effective from January 2024, barred international students from bringing dependants unless they were enrolled in postgraduate research programmes or government-funded scholarships.
Home Office statistics show that study visa applications fell by 16% between January and July 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
Additionally, there were only 13,100 applications from dependants of students during this period, an 81% decrease from the previous year. The number of applications for Health and Care Worker visas also dropped by 80%.
These measures are part of the government’s broader strategy to curb immigration, particularly in sectors like education and healthcare.
The impact on the education sector has been significant, with study visa applications down by 16% in the first half of 2024 compared to 2023.
The most dramatic effect has been the 81% reduction in visa applications from student dependants, underscoring the impact of the new restrictions.
The healthcare sector has also seen a sharp decline, with Health and Care Worker visa applications falling by 80% during the same period.
This follows a surge in applications after care workers were added to the skilled worker visa category in 2022.
Nadra Ahmed, Executive Co-Chairman of the National Care Association, voiced concerns that many healthcare workers are now choosing to relocate to countries with less restrictive immigration policies.
Despite these challenges, the UK government remains committed to controlling immigration and is focusing on developing a “homegrown workforce” to address the nation’s shortage of skilled workers.
