Significant Decline in UK Migrant Visa Applications Following Policy Changes

The UK has experienced a substantial decrease in visa applications from overseas workers, students, and their families over the past year, with figures dropping by a third. This decline follows recent rule changes introduced by the Conservative government, which restrict most international students and health and social care workers from bringing their families to the UK.

Provisional data from the Home Office indicates that the number of migrants and their family members applying for visas decreased from approximately 141,000 in July 2023 to 91,000 last month. Notably, there was a significant 80% reduction in applications for health and care worker visas, falling to 2,900.

The Home Office commented on the figures, emphasizing the importance of developing the domestic workforce to address skill shortages. A spokesperson stated, “Immigration brings many benefits to the UK, but it must be controlled and delivered through a fair system.”

These changes reflect the government’s efforts to balance immigration with domestic workforce development while ensuring that the system remains equitable and beneficial to the country.