Between April and October 2024, the UK received 42,600 applications for Skilled Worker visas, consistent with the same period in 2023. Applications for dependents on the Skilled Worker route increased by 10%, totalling 35,600. The average family of skilled workers included approximately 2.5 individuals, and the average age of the primary applicants was 32 years old. This steady flow of skilled workers and their families highlights the UK’s ongoing demand for international talent to fill critical roles across various sectors.
Most work visas were granted to nationals from India, Nigeria, and the Philippines. Indian professionals continued to dominate in fields like information technology and engineering, reflecting the UK’s reliance on their expertise. Nigerian and Filipino nationals contributed significantly to the healthcare sector, particularly in nursing and caregiving roles, addressing vital shortages in workers in these areas.
In the year ending June 2024, the UK saw 75,658 asylum applications relating to 97,107 individuals, marking an 8% decrease from the previous 12 months. This decline may be attributed to changes in global migration patterns or the impact of UK immigration policies. Despite the decrease in applications, the proportion of asylum appeals allowed remained steady at 48% in the year to March 2024, almost unchanged from the previous year. This consistent success rate in appeals suggests ongoing challenges in the initial assessment of asylum claims, emphasising the need for accurate and fair decision-making processes.
Grants of British citizenship reached 246,488 in the year ending June 2024, an increase of more than a third (37%) compared to the year ending June 2023. This significant rise indicates a growing number of long-term residents seeking to formalise their status in the UK, possibly influenced by post-Brexit changes and streamlined application procedures. It reflects successful integration efforts and the commitment of many to participate in British society fully.
In the education sector, 446,924 sponsored study visas were granted to students in the year ending June 20, 2024. Although this represents a 6% decrease from the previous year, it is still 66% higher than in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The slight decrease may be due to new policies affecting international students, such as restrictions on bringing dependents. However, the UK’s reputation as a leading destination for higher education remains strong, with substantial numbers of students arriving from countries like China, India, and Nigeria.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) played a crucial role in managing these immigration processes. In 2024, approximately 7,500 staff members were employed in UKVI. There were concerted efforts to recruit additional personnel to handle increased workloads, particularly in asylum processing and visa applications. Investments in digital technologies aimed to improve processing times and efficiency, including the introduction of new online application systems to streamline applications and reduce delays.
The number of visitor visas granted totalled 2.5 million in the year ending June 2024, a 5% increase from the previous year, signalling a recovery in international travel after pandemic-related restrictions. Family-related visas numbered 70,000, highlighting the importance of family reunification in immigration trends. The EU Settlement Scheme continued its vital role, with over 6 million applications made since its inception and 98% granted settled or pre-settled status, securing the rights of EU citizens residing in the UK post-Brexit.
These statistics highlight several key trends. The steady number of Skilled Worker visa applications emphasises the UK’s dependence on international professionals to address skill shortages, particularly in healthcare and technology. Strong figures in student visas confirm the country’s appeal as an educational hub despite recent policy adjustments affecting international students. The decrease in asylum applications may reflect changes in global migration or the impact of domestic policies on refugees and asylum seekers. The significant rise in grants of British citizenship points to effective integration strategies and the desire of long-term residents to solidify their place in UK society.
