Net Migration Hits Record 906,000 in The UK, with Innovator Founder as One of The Most Reliable Immigration Routes
UK remains a popular country for immigrants
Net migration to the UK hit an all-time high of 906,000 in the year ending June 2023, well above earlier projections, as revealed by official data. Initially, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) had estimated net migration at 740,000, but it has since revised that figure upwards by 166,000. The ONS also reported a decline in net migration to 728,000 in the year ending June 2024, reflecting a decrease in the difference between arrivals and departures.
Net migration into the UK reached a record high of 906,000 in the year to June 2023, significantly surpassing previous estimates, according to official figures. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) had initially estimated net migration at 740,000, but has now revised this number upwards by 166,000.
The ONS reported that net migration, which is the difference between those entering and leaving the country, fell to 728,000 in the year to June 2024.
The latest figures have sparked political debate. Opposition figures have criticized the government’s handling of migration, with one prominent politician accusing the ruling party of overseeing an "open borders experiment." The increase in net migration in recent years has been described as "off the scale" by some, with calls for stricter immigration controls.
In response, the Prime Minister promised the release of proposals for new laws designed to reduce migration levels. However, the Prime Minister declined to set a specific target for reducing overall net migration, stating that past attempts at achieving arbitrary targets had "achieved absolutely nothing."
Changes in Migration Rules and Impact
The rise in immigration is largely attributed to the points-based immigration system introduced after Brexit. This system, aimed at attracting skilled workers, has led to an increase in work visas. Additionally, changes under the previous government allowed international students to stay longer in the UK after graduation to find employment, and the healthcare sector saw an expansion of work visa routes.
More recently, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government implemented stricter visa rules, which contributed to a drop in migration levels in the most recent year. Changes included limiting the ability of international students and care workers to bring family members to the UK and raising salary thresholds for work visas.
While the initial data suggests a decline in net migration for the year to June 2024, experts warn that the long-term effects of these restrictions may not yet be fully reflected in the statistics.
Dr. Ben Brindle, a researcher with the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, commented: "We are yet to see the full impact of the visa restrictions in the data, although this initial data from the summer suggests that migration levels will not necessarily fall below pre-Brexit levels once the policy changes have fully taken effect."
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch admitted that the party's migration policy had been flawed and has pledged to implement a "strict numerical cap" on migration, though she has yet to specify a target.
Asylum Applications and Backlogs
In addition to migration figures, separate data from the Home Office revealed that over 130,000 people were waiting for an initial decision on their asylum applications as of September 2024. The number of asylum claims has more than doubled since 2021. The government has acknowledged the backlog and reported that additional caseworkers have been hired to address the growing number of asylum claims.
Innovator Founder Visa: A Path for Entrepreneurs
While the debate over migration continues, the Innovator Founder visa offers a structured route for entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in the UK. This visa is designed for individuals who wish to set up and run an innovative business with the potential to contribute significantly to the UK economy.
Applicants must have their business idea endorsed by an approved organization, and they must meet specific criteria to eventually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after a few years. The Innovator Founder visa represents one of the many ways skilled individuals can navigate the UK's immigration system while contributing to its economic growth.
The ONS reported that net migration, which is the difference between those entering and leaving the country, fell to 728,000 in the year to June 2024.
The latest figures have sparked political debate. Opposition figures have criticized the government’s handling of migration, with one prominent politician accusing the ruling party of overseeing an "open borders experiment." The increase in net migration in recent years has been described as "off the scale" by some, with calls for stricter immigration controls.
In response, the Prime Minister promised the release of proposals for new laws designed to reduce migration levels. However, the Prime Minister declined to set a specific target for reducing overall net migration, stating that past attempts at achieving arbitrary targets had "achieved absolutely nothing."
Changes in Migration Rules and Impact
The rise in immigration is largely attributed to the points-based immigration system introduced after Brexit. This system, aimed at attracting skilled workers, has led to an increase in work visas. Additionally, changes under the previous government allowed international students to stay longer in the UK after graduation to find employment, and the healthcare sector saw an expansion of work visa routes.
More recently, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government implemented stricter visa rules, which contributed to a drop in migration levels in the most recent year. Changes included limiting the ability of international students and care workers to bring family members to the UK and raising salary thresholds for work visas.
While the initial data suggests a decline in net migration for the year to June 2024, experts warn that the long-term effects of these restrictions may not yet be fully reflected in the statistics.
Dr. Ben Brindle, a researcher with the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, commented: "We are yet to see the full impact of the visa restrictions in the data, although this initial data from the summer suggests that migration levels will not necessarily fall below pre-Brexit levels once the policy changes have fully taken effect."
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch admitted that the party's migration policy had been flawed and has pledged to implement a "strict numerical cap" on migration, though she has yet to specify a target.
Asylum Applications and Backlogs
In addition to migration figures, separate data from the Home Office revealed that over 130,000 people were waiting for an initial decision on their asylum applications as of September 2024. The number of asylum claims has more than doubled since 2021. The government has acknowledged the backlog and reported that additional caseworkers have been hired to address the growing number of asylum claims.
Innovator Founder Visa: A Path for Entrepreneurs
While the debate over migration continues, the Innovator Founder visa offers a structured route for entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in the UK. This visa is designed for individuals who wish to set up and run an innovative business with the potential to contribute significantly to the UK economy.
Applicants must have their business idea endorsed by an approved organization, and they must meet specific criteria to eventually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after a few years. The Innovator Founder visa represents one of the many ways skilled individuals can navigate the UK's immigration system while contributing to its economic growth.
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