The United Kingdom has experienced a 20% reduction in long-term net immigration, according to provisional estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The figures indicate a decline from 906,000 immigrants in the year ending June 2023 to 728,000 in June 2024. Despite this decrease, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed dissatisfaction with the previous high immigration numbers and has promised tighter immigration policies.
Indians have emerged as the largest group of non-EU migrants, leading in both work and study visa categories. The ONS reported that 240,000 Indians migrated to the UK for long-term stays as of June 2024, surpassing all other nationalities in these categories.
Starmer criticized the Conservative Party for its immigration policies, which he described as an “open borders experiment.” He attributed the surge in immigration to what he labeled a legacy of policy failures under the previous government. “Time and again the Conservative Party promised they would get the numbers down. Time and again they failed. This isn’t just bad luck or a global trend—it’s a different order of failure. This happened by design, not accident,” Starmer said, highlighting his dissatisfaction with the Conservatives’ handling of immigration.
While former Conservative ministers pointed to the 20% drop in migration as evidence of their efforts, the overall scale of the figures remains a concern. Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman defended her record, stating, “A 20 per cent drop in immigration since June 2023 is a result of the changes I fought for and introduced in May 2023.” However, Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch acknowledged past errors, admitting, “It is right that I accept responsibility and say truthfully we got it wrong. Under my leadership, we will tighten access to British passports and have zero tolerance for foreign criminals staying in the UK.”
Indians Dominate Migration Statistics
The ONS data highlighted that Indians have maintained their position as the largest group of non-EU migrants. They led in both work-related and study-related visa categories, with 116,000 Indians obtaining work visas and 127,000 granted study visas in the year ending June 2024. Indian students have historically favored the UK for higher education, particularly at the master’s level. In the latest year, 81% of Indian students who were granted visas pursued postgraduate studies.
A significant factor contributing to the increase in student migration is the Graduate Route visa introduced in 2021. This visa allows international students to remain in the UK for up to two years after completing their studies, with PhD graduates permitted to stay for three years. The programme has been particularly beneficial for Indian graduates, enabling them to gain work experience while helping UK universities recover from financial losses and expand their research capabilities.
The ONS also noted differences in migration patterns across nationalities. Indians, along with Nigerians and Zimbabweans, had low proportions of “early leavers,” or individuals who leave the UK before completing a 12-month stay. In contrast, Chinese students showed higher rates of early departures, a trend that distinguishes them from other groups.
Labour Government’s Approach to Immigration
Starmer has outlined his vision for reducing immigration levels significantly, emphasizing the need to address the underlying drivers of migration rather than imposing arbitrary caps. “I want to see immigration come down significantly. That means bearing down on the influences that have driven it up this high,” he said. Labour’s plans aim to reduce dependency on overseas workers while ensuring fairness in the system.
As part of the crackdown, Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra announced tougher penalties for employers found violating visa rules. “We committed in our manifesto to ensure those who abuse our immigration system face the strongest possible consequences,” Malhotra said. Under new regulations, employers breaching visa rules will face sanctions lasting at least two years and will be required to bear all associated costs for hiring foreign workers.
Conservative Legacy and Labour’s Promises
Despite the drop in immigration numbers, the Labour government remains critical of the previous administration’s track record. Starmer’s government is prioritizing reforms aimed at reducing record migration levels while maintaining a balance between control and fairness. The introduction of stricter measures, coupled with efforts to prevent visa abuse, reflects the new administration’s commitment to addressing public concerns over immigration.
Former Conservative ministers, however, continue to defend their legacy. Braverman emphasized the impact of the policies she introduced, while Badenoch took a more conciliatory tone by acknowledging the need for improvement under her leadership. “Under my leadership, we will tighten access to British passports and have zero tolerance for foreign criminals staying in the UK,” she affirmed.
The debate over immigration remains a contentious issue in British politics, with Labour and the Conservatives presenting contrasting approaches to managing migration while addressing economic and social challenges. As Starmer’s government moves forward with its proposed changes, the focus will likely remain on ensuring that immigration policies align with the UK’s broader goals and public expectations.
