UK Immigration for 2024; UK has been one of the preferred destinations for migration. Net migration in 2023 was at a record level, with more than 606,000 people coming to the UK than leaving. There are a variety of factors behind this including people arriving for work or study, as well as for humanitarian purposes, recent example are the unique events with Ukraine and Hong Kong. However, skilled worker route dominated 2023 and here are some key facts:
In the year ending June 2023:
· there were around 321,000 grants to main applicants on all work visas, 45% higher than in the previous year and almost two and a half times (+144%) the number in the year ending June 2019
· ‘Skilled Worker’ visa grants dominate and the main applicants rose by 34% to around 69,000, compared to the previous year
· ‘Skilled Worker – Health and Care’ visa grants to main applicants rose by over two and a half times (+157%) to around 120,000, compared to the previous year
· dependants accounted for around 218,000 visas granted, representing 40% of all work visas
Table 1: Work visas granted to main applicants by work visa type
Work visa type | Year ending June 2022 | Year ending June 2023 | Change | Percentage change |
Worker (of which:) | 119,180 | 212,551 | +93,371 | +78% |
Skilled Worker | 51,811 | 69,421 | +17,610 | +34% |
Health and Care | 47,194 | 121,290 | +74,096 | +157% |
Other ‘Worker’ visas | 20,175 | 21,840 | +1,665 | +8% |
Temporary Worker | 70,240 | 75,166 | +4,926 | +7% |
Investor, business development and talent | 3,219 | 5,028 | +1,809 | +56% |
Other work visas and exemptions1 | 28,534 | 28,356 | -178 | -1% |
Total | 221,173 | 321,101 | +99,928 | +45% |
Figure 1: Work visas granted to main applicants between the year ending June 2014 and the year ending June 2023, by work visa type
What is very interesting to know, is from which country did people migrate from to the UK.
Work visa group | Year ending | Year ending | Change | Percentage |
Worker |
|
|
|
|
Skilled Worker | 51,811 | 69,421 | +17,610 | +34% |
India | 17,256 | 20,228 | +2,972 | +17% |
United States | 3,412 | 3,772 | +360 | +11% |
Pakistan | 1,180 | 3,394 | +2,214 | +188% |
Health and Care Worker | 47,194 | 121,290 | +74,096 | +157% |
India | 18,570 | 33,669 | +15,099 | +81% |
Nigeria | 6,125 | 22,278 | +16,153 | +264% |
Zimbabwe | 4,270 | 20,152 | +15,882 | +372% |
Temporary Worker |
|
|
|
|
Seasonal Worker | 39,872 | 32,750 | -7,122 | -18% |
Kyrgyzstan | 2,732 | 7,460 | +4,728 | +173% |
Tajikistan | 3,852 | 4,974 | +1,122 | +29% |
Kazakhstan | 1,921 | 4,893 | +2,972 | +155% |
Indian dominated and were the top nationality for visas in the ‘Worker’ category, representing almost one-third (31%) of grants, and were by far the top nationality for both the ‘Skilled Worker’ and ‘Skilled Worker in the health care sector.
Why do people choose to move to the UK?
Diversity and Culture!. The UK is renowned with art and culture! Cultural diversity is the backbone of British life with workplaces and communities embracing diversity. The UK also has some of the greatest museums, art galleries, music venues, sporting events and theatres that the world has to offer.
UK Immigration 2024 – what are the changes?
New UK immigration rules are being introduced throughout 2024, the stand out factor is there is an increase in the salary requirement for skilled worker visa to £38,700 per year on 4 April 2024 and spouse visa to £29,000 on 11 April 2024. Healthcare seen the largest influx and restrictions will be in place for healthcare and care worker visa holders as well as international student visa holders from bringing their dependants (partners and children), this is part of the reform of the Shortage Occupation List (SOL
What is the Business Visa options to migrate to the UK?
Business Visas allow individuals and families to come to the UK as investors, innovators or global business mobility workers. Some of the business visa routes might be right for you and your family to move to the UK.
Self-sponsorship seems to be the most popular option, read more on self sponsorship………
