The number of migrant work visas issued last year hit a record high amid a surge in healthcare workers and their families ahead of a government crackdown on dependants.
There were 337,240 visas granted to overseas workers in 2023, according to Home Office data. This is 26 per cent higher than in 2022, and more than twice the number of visas issued in 2019, before the pandemic.
The data showed “health and care” visa grants almost doubled last year to 146,477, driven by care workers and home carers”, which represented more than half of all visas issued last year.
The rise comes amid attempts by ministers to clamp down on soaring net migration ahead of the election.
The Home Office data also showed there were 279,131 visas granted to dependants of people granted a work visa, driven by health care workers bringing their families to the UK. This is 80 per cent higher than 2022, with care workers’ families accounting for 73 per cent of all work dependent visas granted.
The Government in December announced it would tighten several criteria such as preventing care workers from bringing over their families, raising salary thresholds for most skilled workers and increasing application fees.
Health and care staff will not be affected by increases in salary thresholds that will be brought in this April from £26,200 to £38,700. However, from next month, care workers will be unable to bring their dependents when they come to work in the UK.
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William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
