World Immigration News

Migration: How many people come to the UK and how have rules changed?

Release Date: 2024-11-29
Media: BBC
Summary: Net migration to the UK in the year to June 2024 was 728,000, a 20% decrease compared to the previous year. This reduction was influenced by a revised estimate for the year to June 2023, which was sharply increased to 906,000. During this period, 1.2 million people arrived intending to stay, while 479,000 left the UK.

Of the arrivals, 86% were non-EU nationals, primarily from India for work and study purposes. EU nationals accounted for 10%, and British nationals 5%. Among non-EU migrants, around 84,000 claimed asylum, including those arriving via irregular routes such as small boats.

Student visas issued dropped by 13% compared to the previous year, influenced by new rules barring most postgraduate students from bringing dependents unless enrolled in research programs. Work visa requirements also tightened in April 2024, raising the minimum salary threshold to £38,700, with exceptions for some critical sectors. This change has sparked concerns about labor shortages.

Seasonal worker visas were capped at 47,000 for 2024, with strict restrictions, including a prohibition on bringing family members. Meanwhile, net migration of EU nationals turned negative due to Brexit-related restrictions, while non-EU migration remained the primary driver of net migration.

These shifts in immigration policy reflect the UK government’s efforts to balance migration control with economic and labor market demands.
Tags: United Kingdom

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