Official figures reveal that 728,000 people arrived in the UK in the year to June 2024, a 20% decrease from the revised total of 906,000 for the previous year.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicated that net migration is now at 728,000, with approximately 1.2 million individuals expecting to stay for at least a year. Of these arrivals, 5% were British nationals, 10% were EU nationals, and a substantial 86% were non-EU nationals.
Among non-EU migrants, 82% were of working age (16 to 64 years), highlighting the workforce contributions of new arrivals. The report also notes that 84,000 individuals claimed asylum, with many arriving through irregular routes.
In terms of student migration, 432,225 visas were issued, reflecting a 13% decline compared to the previous year. The number of visas granted to student dependants fell by 39% due to new restrictions.
Additionally, the new points-based immigration system now requires job offers to meet a minimum salary threshold of £38,700, which has raised concerns among employers about labor shortages in key sectors.
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Family-related visas increased by 12%, while the number of visas issued to health and social care workers dropped by 26%. The seasonal worker quota for 2024 is set at 47,000, comprising 45,000 horticulture workers and 2,000 poultry workers.
