Indians were the largest group of immigrants to the UK
- Indians Lead UK Immigration in 2023
- Indians became the largest immigrant group to the UK in 2023, with a total of 250,000 arrivals.
- Among them, 127,000 came for work, 115,000 for study, and 9,000 for other reasons.
- Despite the increase, overall net migration to the UK decreased in 2023 compared to 2022.
- There has been a significant shift towards non-EU
- immigration, with work visas becoming the primary driver.
Work Visa Surge Fuels Non-EU Immigration
The composition of UK immigration has changed dramatically. In 2023, non-EU arrivals made up 85% of the total, compared to a pre-2021 period when EU nationals dominated. Work visas are now the main reason for non-EU migration, with a 53% increase in non-EU work visas issued in 2023.
The healthcare sector saw a substantial rise in work visas, with 146,477 issued in 2023, a 91% increase from the previous year. This included a significant number of dependants for healthcare workers, particularly those on care worker visas (89,236). Indians were the largest group receiving care worker visas (18,664) and nurse visas (11,322).
Indian Dominance in Education, but Recent Decline
Indians were also the leading recipients of graduate visas (50,053) and study visas in 2023 ( Indians Lead UK Immigration in 2023 ), Driven by Work and Study. However, recent statistics show a decrease in Indian student visa grants, particularly for master’s degrees (21,800 fewer in the year ending March 2024). This decline is attributed to new restrictions on bringing dependents implemented in January 2024.
Types of UK Visas Available
The UK offers a variety of visas for different purposes, including:
1. Visit Visas:
- Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): For short visits (up to 6 months) for tourism, business, or to visit family and friends.
- Standard Visitor Visa: For longer visits (up to 6 months) for various purposes, such as tourism, study, or temporary work.
2. Work Visas:
- Skilled Worker Visa: For highly skilled professionals with a job offer from an approved UK employer.
- Start-up Visa: For potential founders of innovative businesses in the UK.
- Sole Representative Visa: For self-employed professionals or freelancers.
3. Study Visas:
- Tier 4 Student Visa: To study at an approved educational institution in the UK.
- Student Exchange Visa: To participate in student exchange programs between the UK and other countries.
4. Family Visas:
- Partner Visa: For spouses or civil partners of British citizens or permanent residents.
- Child Visa: For children of British citizens or permanent residents.
- Caregiver Visa: For caregivers of family members with disabilities.
5. Other Visas:
- Research Visa: For researchers planning to conduct research in the UK.
- Transit Visa: For passengers transiting through the UK on their way to another destination.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and it is recommended to visit the https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration website for the latest information on visa requirements and conditions.