Fewer immigrant family members are making their way to the UK as a fall in visas has reduced these numbers to over a third. It’s no longer as simple as applying for a visa as a student or immigrant worker. Here’s what’s happened.
Visas Are Down by Over 30% for Skilled Workers
A report by The Telegraph showed that the visas for skilled immigrant workers were lower compared to last year. Numbers have shifted from 397,800 last year to 262,000 in 2024 for skilled industry workers.
Immigrant Dependants Down by 36.1%
According to the Telegraph, the number of dependants coming to the UK has also dropped by nearly 40%. The number of immigrant worker dependants reduced from 179,700 to 114,900.
Even Lower Than the Pandemic
During the pandemic, people were restricted from travelling for work and holidays due to lockdown procedures. While the number of immigrants was at its lowest during 2020, it’s even lower now.
Labour Government Intends to Continue
According to the Telegraph, Sir Keir Starmer, the UK’s newly elected prime minister, has said that he intends to lower the numbers even further. There isn’t a set number to do so, but the process will “keep going strong.”
Lowering Scores of Immigrants Bringing Dependants
Cracking down on the scores of immigrants bringing their dependents into the UK is gaining momentum. Reports have shown the numbers are already down by a third.
It’s Capped
The percentages have dropped because the number of visas approved for students and immigrant workers has also been reduced. Immigrant skilled workers and their dependents are still able to come to the UK and work, but there are now limitations in place.
What the Statistics Says
According to the Home Office, the net migration totals over 650,000 in 2023. The net migration was said to be over 100,000 more in 2022.
Limited for Progress
Reports said the former prime minister, Rishi Sunak, has put a cap on immigrant workers coming to the UK.
Rules for Employers
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King Charles is said to deliver a speech regarding the new labour policy and immigration of foreign workers. Business owners should reduce their reliance on foreign immigrant workers. Instead, jobs will be made available to local citizens of the UK.
Skills Development and Training
According to The Telegraph, local labour measures will include training and skills development.
Rules to Abide
One of the rules to abide by when hiring foreign labourers will include bosses paying workers the minimum basic salary. If employers fail to do so, they could risk being banned from employing foreign workers to join their companies.
Making It Official
After the King’s speech, Sir Keir Starmer will possibly sign off on the new regulations.
Increase in Skilled Labour Salary
The UK salary has increased for foreign skilled workers from 26,200 quid to 38,700 quid per annum, according to Al Jazeera news reports.
Training Local Workers Before Hiring Foreign Workers
Another part of the policy for hiring foreign workers, according to Telegraph reports, is that local companies must train local workers within the industry. Training local workers is going to become compulsory before employers can hire and train foreign workers.
Some Are Not in Full Agreement
Sir Patrick Vallance, the minister of science, has said that somehow, the process needs to “be made easy” again. He supports foreign skilled workers coming to the UK and contributing to the science field.
Perhaps Revise Some Aspects
Vallance also said that the visa fees could be adjusted and that the rules pertaining to dependants could also be “re-visited,” the Telegraph reported.
Keeping up With Others
The minister of science also mentioned that UK had to keep on par with other countries. The country needed valuable contributions to science, and when it came to bringing in skilled and special-skills workers into the country to contribute to science.
Shadow Party MP
MPs like shadow party member James Cleverly are in agreement with bringing down the number of skilled workers coming to the UK for work. Cleverly commented, “As home secretary, I changed the rules to deliver the largest ever cut to migration…”
“He Said, She Said?
In his speech, Cleverly also claimed that the Labour Party opposed the measures despite having said they wanted to bring the numbers down.
Changes Bringing Down Percentages Rapidly
James Cleverly also claimed that the changes he’s put in place have proved to bring down the number of foreign workers and dependents down as high as 48%.
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