The number of applications for UK work and student visas, as well as applications of dependant of these candidates, have dropped by 36.3 per cent in the last year.
In July of this year, the total number of skilled workers, health and care workers as well as candidates with sponsored study, was 91,300, down from 143,400 recorded in July of 2023, VisaGuide.World reports.
The new measures introduced by the UK government throughout the year include banning international students from bringing dependants as well as increasing the immigration health charges and increasing the salary threshold.
Skilled Worker & Health & Care Worker Visas Mark a Significant Drop
In July of 2024, 6,000 main applicants filed requests for the Skilled Workers Visa Scheme, which is 7.69 percent less than in July of 2023. On the other hand, these candidates’ dependents applications have increased from 4,900 to 5,800, marking an increase of 18 per cent.
However, the number of applications for health and care worker visas is affected the most, dropping from 16,200 in 2023 to merely 2,900 in July of 2024. This means that a decrease of 82 percent has occurred, as the data from the UK Home Office reveals.
In addition, the number of dependents of those applying for health and care worker visas also marked a significant decrease – from 21,600 in 2023 to 5,100 in July of 2024, which is 76.3 percent less.
Nadra Ahmed, executive co-chairman of the National Care Association, told BBC that the sector had started to see some staff return home or move to other countries.
If we had a domestic workforce willing to work, then we wouldn’t need these international recruits.
Top Reasons Behind the Drop in Visa Applications
The drop in applications has been noticed since February 2024, when the government raised the Immigration Health charges. Applications for the health and care worker visas were down from 3,100 to 2,900 – a 6.4 percent decrease.
In March 2024, the UK government tightened rules for new care workers and senior workers, making them ineligible to bring dependants to the country. This caused for application of dependants of health and care workers to drop from 16,300 in February to 13,200 in March – 19 percent.
In April, the government raised the salary threshold, which is currently suspended, and reformed the immigration salary list. This caused the number of applications for health and care workers to decrease to 2,200 from 2,400 recorded in the previous month. In addition, the number of dependants applying for a visa dropped significantly – from 13,200 to 6,400, which is a 51 per cent decrease in one month.