Nigerians are a driving force behind the surge in non-EU work visas issued in the UK, according to a recent report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The data shows a significant increase in non-EU work visas granted, with over 423,000 issued in 2023. Indians also feature prominently in this trend.
This influx of skilled workers, particularly in the health and social care sector, comes amidst a heated debate on immigration policy ahead of the UK’s July 4th general election.
The report highlights that a substantial portion of these work visas are being issued to Nigerians seeking employment in the UK’s healthcare system. This trend is likely connected to ongoing staffing shortages within the NHS (National Health Service).
However, the ONS data doesn’t capture the full picture. Separate figures from the UK Home Office show a recent decline in visas issued to healthcare workers in the first half of 2024.
With the general election approaching, both the governing Conservative Party and the Labour Party are using immigration as a key campaign point. The Conservatives, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, credit their immigration plan with reducing net migration in 2023. However, the Labour Party, led by Yvette Cooper, argues these measures haven’t gone far enough and criticize the tripling of net migration since the Conservatives took office.
The decline in net migration can also be partially attributed to the departure of non-EU students who came to the UK during the pandemic but have since finished their studies. Additionally, the ONS emphasizes that the full effects of recent Home Office policies restricting work and student dependent visas won’t be reflected in the current data.