Janice R. Andrews
Comparing the first few months of 2024 to the same time last year, there has been a sharp decline in the quantity of foreign health and care workers requesting visas. Just 12,400 applications were filed for the Health and Care Worker visa between January and April of this year, a sharp 76% decrease from the 50,900 applications filed in the same period of 2023.
On the other hand, there has been a discernible increase in the number of applications for the skilled worker visa and its dependents. The administration credits the success of their current policy for the varied drops in legal migration. This decline was cited by Home Secretary James Cleverly as evidence that their plan to implement “the largest-ever cut to legal migration in our country’s history” is working.
Important data from the most recent government report shows:
- Applications for Health and Care Worker Visas Have Dropped 76%, from 50,900 to 12,400.
- Health and care workers’ dependents: Applications decreased by 58% in April 2024 compared to April 2023.
- Applications for sponsored study visas fell from 49,400 to 43,600, a 12% decrease.
- Relatives of holders of sponsored study visas: a sharp 79% decline, from 38,900 to 8,300.
The government’s decision from the previous year to prohibit post-graduate students from bringing dependents unless they are enrolled in a PhD program, other doctorates, or research-based degrees contributed to the fall of dependents for sponsored study visas.
On the other hand, a 41% increase in applications for the skilled worker visa has been accompanied by a 62% increase in dependents. The minimum wage required for this visa was increased by the government in April from £26,200 to £38,700, however the full effect of this change has not yet been completely reflected in the data.
According to James Cleverly, justice and control are the main priorities of the British immigration system, which prioritizes the interests of the British people. He said, “Our approach is about control and fairness; to the highly skilled coming here who deserve a decent wage, to taxpayers who shouldn’t be relied on to support them, and to British workers who shouldn’t be undercut.”
Stephen Kinnock, the shadow immigration minister for Labour, attacked the government’s strategy, pointing to the spike in applications for skilled worker visas as proof of their poor handling. In order to promote local training and guarantee that immigration and skills policies are in line with the demands of the UK economy, he argued in favor of a Skills and Growth charge.
The government has stated that it is prepared to make additional changes if needed and is still keeping a careful eye on these measures.
