The number of UK work visas issued in 2024 will continue to fall as a result of the new rules that were introduced by the former government at the end 2023.
New Home Office statistics reveal that in 2024 there will be 210,000 visas issued to principal applicants across all categories of work. This is 37% less than 2023 but 53% more than 2019.
There were 27,000 health and care workers. This is 81% less than in 2023.
The Home Office reported that the number of grants given to applicants in other categories (including skilled worker visas), in 2024, had decreased by 11% compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the number of temporary workers visas granted to the main applicants was 78,000. This is almost double (plus 91% the number in 2019), mainly because the growth of the seasonal worker visa route.
The number of visas for skilled workers, graduates, and health care workers increased by nearly sevenfold in 2019.
The number of sponsored study visas for foreign students has fallen significantly, as expected. In 2024, 393,000 sponsored student visas were granted to foreign students, which is 14% less than in 2023 but 46% more than in 2019. Visas for dependents of students were reduced by 85% in 2024 compared to 2023 but increased by 37% in 2019.
In the last four years, more than two thirds (65%), of all student visas were granted for courses at master’s degree level.
Sacha Wooldridge is the partner and head immigration at Birketts. She noted that along with a decline in visa applications today’s figures showed a “concerted blitz”. The Home Office suspended company immigration sponsor licenses by 197%, and revoked company sponsor licences by 343%.
She said that this was not surprising, given that the number companies that have sponsor licences has increased by 196% from 2021 when there were only 35,000 businesses who could sponsor migrant worker. By 2024 this number had increased to 105,000.
There are concerns that the Home Office will overreach in using its broad brush power to reduce numbers. This could create an opaque system where businesses are unclear about their rights.
The Home Office will examine whether these businesses are of the type that can sponsor international workers, and if they have enough controls to ensure legal recruitment.
Wooldridge stated: “This is a clear indication that the Home Office has taken back control of the work visa route in order to stop rogue businesses with a poor record for compliance, record-keeping and reporting. Home Office sponsored enforcement activity is focused on traditionally low skilled sectors, such as the hospitality and care sector. Reports of employer malpractice and modern-day slavery are common in these areas.
She said that businesses were not aware of their rights. The Home Office has begun to overreach, using its broad brush powers in order to reduce numbers. There are fears this will create a more opaque system where businesses are left unsure of their rights. This is evident in the recent changes to the application process for work visas. Businesses need to adapt to the rapidly evolving regulatory environment. Many are turning to technology and remote workers to revolutionise their workforce.
Louise Haycock is a partner in the law firm Fragomen. She said that it was time for growth to be driven by enabling mobility rather than limiting it. She said: “Given that we are already on a steep downward trajectory, it would be nice if the White Paper looked to facilitate talent mobility rather than further restrict it and help growth.” We’d also like to see an end to determining policy based on the blunt lens of net migration.
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