UK visa applications have fallen by 25% as a result of tighter government regulations

The UK saw a 25% decline in visa applications on key routes in the first quarter of 2024, according to the latest Home Office statistics.

According to VisaGuide.World, this decline in visa applications is attributed to stricter regulations introduced by the government earlier this year to curb unsustainable migration.

Commenting on the new data, Home Secretary James Cleverly said the plan to reduce legal migration in the UK was working. Among other things, it noted that the new measures are aimed at prioritizing British workers.

Our approach is one of control and fairness: for the highly skilled workers who come here who deserve a decent wage, for taxpayers who cannot be relied on to support them, and for British workers who should not be undercut.

Student-dependent applications decreased by 79%

In January 2024, the UK government introduced stricter rules for student visas. Such activities were reflected in both the number of student applications and student-dependent applications.

According to official statistics in the UK, the number of student visa applications submitted between January and April 2024 decreased by 79% compared to the same period in 2023. Moreover, in the first quarter of 2024, the UK received 30 000 fewer student visa applications compared to the same date in 2023.

In April 2024, the government introduced new visa rules for overseas care workers, restricting them from bringing their families to the UK.

Following this measure, the authorities recorded a significant decline in the number of applications from people dependent on health and care services. In April 2024, there were 6,400 such claims in the UK, a 58% decrease compared to the same month in 2023.

With efforts to crack down on abuse by introducing changes requiring companies sponsoring migrant care workers in England to register with the CQC, we are determined to see these numbers continue to fall.

The government warns against taking additional measures if necessary

In addition to the above-mentioned measures, the UK has introduced new rules to restrict migration and prioritize British workers.

Among other things, the minimum salary threshold for foreigners coming to the UK on a skilled worker visa has been increased from £26,200 to £38,700.

However, the government warned it would take more immigration measures if necessary.

We will continue to monitor these measures closely and will not hesitate to go further if necessary.

The measures form part of the Home Secretary’s plan to restrict legal migration, meaning almost 300,000 people who came to the UK last year will no longer be able to.