Sir Keir Starmer says migration numbers will fall "significantly" under tighter rules proposed by Labour. The proposed changes include English tests for all visa applicants and their adult dependants, as well as a longer route to settled status How have numbers changed and what are the existing rules? Net migration - the number of people coming to the UK, minus the number leaving - was 728,000 in the year to June 2024, according toprovisional figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). That was a 20% drop from the number of people who came in the 12 months to June 2023. Thenewly revised total for that period was 906,000, far higher than the previous estimate of 740,000. The ONS estimates that 1.2 million people expecting to stay at least a year came to the UK in the year to June 2024. It estimates that 479,000 left the UK. The ONS figures show that of the 1.2 million people who came to live in the UK in the 12 months to June 2024: Of the one million non-EU+ nationals who came: Among non-EU+ migrants, the most common nationality coming to the UK for both work-related (116,000) and study-related (127,000) reasons was Indian. According to separate Home Office figures,393,125 student visas were issued to foreign studentsin the year ending December 2024. That is 14% fewer than in the previous 12-month period, but still almost 50% higher (46%) than in 2019. In the year to December 2024, 21,978 visas were issued to student dependants, an 85% fall from the number issued in 2023. Since January 2024,international postgraduate students have not been able to bring dependantsunless their course is a research programme. Students who have already completed their degree can stay in the UK for two years - three years for those with a doctoral degree - to work under agraduate visa. Most people wanting to work in the UK still have to apply for a visa through thepoints-based system (PBS). But since 11 April 2024,they have needed a job offer with a higher salary. Applicants have to earn at least £38,700 - an increase of nearly 50% from the previous £26,200 minimum. The threshold does not apply to some jobs - such as in health and social care, and teachers on national pay scales. You need a family visaif you want to live with a relative who is a British citizen, or someone who has the right to be in the UKfor more than six months. The latest Home Office figures showed that86,000 family-related visas were grantedin the year ending December 2024, 7% more than in 2023. You can apply to live with your: You have to demonstrate a good knowledge of English. The relative that you will live with in the UK has to meet the minimum income threshold. This was initially also due to rise to £38,700 - a sharp increase from the previous £18,600 figure. But after warnings the new rules risked separating families, the previous governmentdropped the new minimum to £29,000. Anyone renewing an existing family visa does not have to meet the new earnings threshold. The Home Office statistics showed that27,000 visas were issued to people coming to the UK to work in health and social carein the 12 months to December 2024. This is a fall of 81% compared with the previous 12 months. The number coming to work in the sector had increased significantly aftertemporary changes to the health and care visa rules. In the year ending December 2024, there were approximately three dependants for each person coming to do a job in health and social care. However, the number of dependants fell sharply in the last 10 months of the period, after the previous Conservative government changed the rules to stop international social care workers bringing their children or partners with them. Applicants need 70 points to qualify for askilled worker visa. This can last for up to five years before it needs to be extended. You get50 points from having a job offer above a minimum skill level, and speaking English. The remaining 20 points can come from a higher salary, working in a sector with job shortages, or having a relevant PhD. The standard fee for a skilled visa is usually between £719 and £1,639, depending on your circumstances. Visa applicants also have to paya healthcare surcharge for each year of their stay. The amount can vary - but since April 2024, the standard fee has been £1,035 per year, up from £624. Theimmigration salary listreplaced what was previously called the shortage occupation list. It helps employers fill vacancies in key sectors. These jobs have a lower salary threshold making it easier for applicants to gain enough points to get a visa. The list includes: Employers used to be able to pay foreign workers 80% of the usual "going rate" to fill these positions. But this lower rate was abolished for people applying after 4 April 2024. Temporary workers such as fruit pickers and poultry workers are covered byseasonal worker visas, subject to an annual quota. There were 35,561 seasonal worker visas issued in the year to December 2024. More than three-quarters of these (78%)were from Central Asian countries, such as Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. For 2025,the quota is 45,000: Seasonal workers can stay in the UK for up to six months for horticultural work, and from 2 October to 31 December each year for poultry work. They cannot accept a permanent job or bring family members with them. Before Brexit, EU and UK citizens had the freedom to live, work or study in any EU country without needing a visa. However, this freedom of movement ended on 1 January 2021 when the UK left the EU. In the 12 months to June 2024, the ONS figures showed that net migration for non-EU nationals - the difference between those arriving and those leaving - was 845,000. In the same period, net EU migration was -95,000, meaning 95,000 more EU nationals left the UK than arrived. Net migration of British nationals was -21,000, meaning more British people left the UK than came back.
How many people come to work and study in the UK?
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Labour Proposes Tighter Immigration Rules Amid Declining Migration Numbers in the UK"
Bbc News
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
Sir Keir Starmer has proposed significant changes to the UK's immigration rules, suggesting that these changes will lead to a notable decrease in migration numbers. The Labour Party's plan includes implementing English language tests for all visa applicants and their adult dependants, as well as establishing a more extended pathway to settled status. According to provisional figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), net migration to the UK was recorded at 728,000 in the year leading up to June 2024, marking a 20% decrease from the previous year when net migration was estimated at 906,000. This decline is attributed to various factors, including stricter visa requirements that have made it more challenging for individuals to move to the UK. The ONS also reports that approximately 1.2 million individuals came to the UK for at least a year, with 479,000 leaving during the same timeframe. Notably, Indian nationals constituted the largest group among non-EU migrants, entering the UK primarily for work and study purposes.
The changing landscape of visa regulations is reflected in the issuance of student visas, which saw a 14% decrease to 393,125 in the year ending December 2024, although this figure remains 46% higher than in 2019. A significant policy shift has occurred whereby international postgraduate students can no longer bring dependants unless they are enrolled in research programs. Furthermore, the minimum salary threshold for visa applicants has risen dramatically from £26,200 to £38,700, except in specific sectors such as health and social care where different rules apply. The issuance of family-related visas has also increased slightly, with 86,000 granted in the year ending December 2024. However, there have been notable drops in the number of visas issued for health and social care workers, a sector that previously benefited from more lenient immigration policies. The overall trend indicates a tightening of immigration rules, which may have lasting implications for the UK's ability to attract foreign workers and students amidst a backdrop of fluctuating migration statistics.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides an analysis of migration numbers to the UK, focusing on recent statistics and proposed policy changes from the Labour party. It highlights the ongoing debate surrounding migration, particularly in the context of economic and educational opportunities, while reflecting on the shifting rules governing visas and residency for foreign nationals.
Implications of Proposed Changes
Sir Keir Starmer's assertion that migration numbers will decline significantly under stricter rules points towards a political strategy aimed at addressing public concerns regarding immigration. By proposing English tests for visa applicants and their dependants, the Labour party seeks to create a narrative of accountability and integration. This may resonate with voters who prioritize a more controlled immigration system.
Current Migration Statistics
The article cites net migration figures for the UK, revealing a drop from 906,000 to 728,000, which could be interpreted as a positive outcome for those advocating for reduced immigration. However, the fact that the revised total for the previous year was much higher than initially estimated suggests volatility in migration patterns. The mention of Indian nationals as the largest group of migrants for work and study purposes highlights the ongoing appeal of the UK as a destination for skilled migrants.
Public Perception and Media Influence
There seems to be an intention to shape public perception regarding the impact of migration on the UK. By focusing on the decrease in certain categories (like student dependants), the article may be attempting to downplay the ongoing influx of foreign students, which has been a significant contributor to the UK economy. This could create a perception that the government is successfully managing immigration, despite the complexities involved.
Potential Consequences for Society and Economy
The proposed changes could lead to a significant shift in the demographics of the UK workforce. Stricter visa requirements may deter some potential migrants, which could have ramifications for sectors reliant on foreign labor. The emphasis on higher salary requirements could exacerbate existing labor shortages in certain industries. This may also affect the overall economy, as a reduction in skilled migrants could hinder innovation and growth.
Target Audience and Support Base
The article appears to cater to a politically engaged audience, particularly those concerned with immigration policies and their socio-economic implications. By highlighting Labour's proposed changes, it may appeal to voters who are leaning towards more stringent immigration controls. Conversely, it risks alienating communities that benefit from a diverse workforce and international students.
Market and Global Implications
In terms of stock market impact, the news could influence sectors like education and labor, particularly companies that rely on foreign talent. For instance, educational institutions might face financial implications due to a potential decline in international student enrollment. This could also affect real estate and consumer spending within communities that traditionally host large numbers of foreign nationals.
Geopolitical Context
Although the article focuses on domestic migration policy, it reflects broader trends in global migration and labor markets. In light of geopolitical tensions, countries are increasingly evaluating their immigration policies in relation to national security and economic resilience. The UK’s approach may influence its standing in international discussions on labor mobility and economic cooperation.
AI Influence in Article Composition
It is plausible that AI tools were employed in crafting the article, particularly in analyzing statistical data and summarizing complex immigration policies. Such tools could have contributed to the clarity and organization of information, helping shape the narrative around migration statistics and proposed reforms.
In conclusion, this article presents a nuanced view of migration to the UK, balancing statistical representation with political implications. While it aims to inform the public, it also serves a particular political agenda, potentially skewing perceptions on immigration. The reliability of the information rests on the accuracy of the data cited and the intent behind its presentation.