The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that 728,000 people moved to the UK in the year ending June 2024, a slight decrease from the previous year. However, this drop can be attributed to a revision in the previous year's numbers, which were significantly higher than expected. The official numbers show that in the year ending June 2023, 906,000 people came to the UK, much higher than the original estimate of 740,000. While this may seem like a decrease, it's important to understand the bigger picture of the UK immigration system, which continues to adapt and evolve to meet both global challenges and opportunities.
In total, 1.2 million individuals moved to the UK for more than one year in the 12 months leading up to June 2024. This is a clear indication that the UK remains a top destination for people worldwide looking to make the UK their home—whether for work, study, or family life. Of those, 58,000 were British nationals returning to the UK, 116,000 were from the EU and countries like Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland, and a remarkable 1 million were from non-EU countries.
The diversity of people arriving on the shores of the UK underlines the country's continued attractiveness, especially for skilled workers and students. The UK remains an attractive proposition for migrants seeking employment and education, with the most common nationality being Indian citizens, particularly for work and study-based visas.
The UK’s education sector continues to thrive, with 432,225 student visas granted in the year ending June 2024. Despite a slight drop of 13% from the previous year, the UK remains a leading choice for international students. The UK's globally renowned universities and diverse student community continue to pull in ambitious learners from across the world. The graduate visa also offers the opportunity to stay and work for two years after completing an undergraduate degree (or up to three years for PhD graduates)—giving international students a unique chance to build their careers and lives in the UK after graduation.
The UK’s points-based immigration system is a vital element of its success in attracting skilled workers. To qualify for a skilled worker visa, applicants must score 70 points based on factors like a job offer, salary level, and English proficiency. The salary threshold for skilled workers has recently been raised to £38,700 per year—an increase of nearly 50%. This adjustment ensures that the UK attracts individuals who can contribute to the economy in high-demand sectors.
Moreover, certain jobs in sectors like health, social care, and teaching are exempt from the higher salary threshold. This makes the UK’s immigration system more flexible and responsive to sector-specific needs, ensuring that key industries have the talent they require to continue growing and innovating.
Family reunification also plays a significant role in UK immigration, with 84,403 family visas granted in the year ending June 2024—an increase of 12% compared to the previous year. The UK continues to offer a welcoming environment for families to live together, whether it’s spouses, children, parents, or other relatives in need of long-term care. This emphasis on family immigration highlights the UK's commitment to maintaining strong familial ties, even amid evolving immigration policies.
The UK immigration system is far from static; it’s a living, evolving framework that strives to meet the needs of the country’s economy while also fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment for migrants. The latest changes to visa rules—like the salary threshold for skilled workers and the removal of dependants for most international students—demonstrate the government’s ongoing efforts to refine immigration policies in line with both domestic and international trends.
As an immigration expert, I view the changes positively. While some may see the drop in migration numbers as a challenge, it is actually a reflection of the UK's ability to adapt and balance demand with its broader goals of long-term economic growth, social integration, and sustainable immigration. Immigrating to the UK continues to offer significant opportunities, from world-class education to thriving career prospects and a robust healthcare system.
In my opinion, these figures show that the UK remains an attractive destination for those seeking to build a brighter future, whether through work, study, or family reunification. With its dynamic points-based system, focus on skilled migration, and strong commitment to family visas, the UK immigration system is clearly designed to foster talent, innovation, and cultural diversity. It’s a system that remains strong and welcoming, offering a path for those who wish to make the UK their home and contribute to its future.
Despite fluctuations in migration figures, the UK immigration system continues to reflect a progressive and flexible approach to welcoming people from all walks of life. The UK remains a land of opportunity for skilled workers, students, and families alike. The future is bright for those looking to immigrate to the UK, and this continues to be one of the world's most sought-after destinations for those seeking to thrive and build a life in an inclusive, global society.
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