UK Immigration Statistics: Increase in Migrant Workers

This week, the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford published a briefing which examines the causes of migration to the UK. The Migration Observatory regularly provides commentary on UK immigration and public policy. According to the latest briefing, ‘work was the most common reason given for migration to the UK in 2013’.

Migration Observatory Releases Statistics on Work Visas (Work Permits)

The brief found that 47.1% of total migrant (248,000) arriving in the UK in 2013 were non-EU nationals. According to the Migration Observatory who used the Office for National Statistics (ONS) as their primary source:

  • The number of migrants moving to the UK on work visas (work permits) made it the largest and fastest growing immigration category.
  • Dependents of non-EU migrants have steadily begun to increase.
  • Applicants seeking asylum has been increasing since 2010 onwards.

The Migration Observatory found that the most common reason for migrants coming to the UK is because they have been offered a job or because they are looking for work in the UK. Statistics reveal that in 2007, migrants who came to the UK on work visas decreased from 242,000 to 180,000. However, in 2013 migrant workers in the UK increased to 214,000. Thereby, supporting the assertion that migrants are coming to the UK for the purpose of employment. There are a number of options for non- EU workers to work in the UK. This includes the Tier 2 (General) work visa route. which requires migrant workers to be sponsored by their UK employer. However many are also taking advantage of the Sole Representative and the UK Ancestry categories which allows individuals to work in the UK.

CBI: UK Employers having ‘hard time’ finding & Sponsoring Skilled Workers

The consensus in the UK running up to the general election next year is that migration needs to be controlled and limited. However, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has found that skills shortage in the UK is holding back the nation’s economy. A spokesperson for CBI stated:

“Our most recent survey shows that skills shortages are becoming more acute, and risk acting as a break on our economic recovery. This is particularly true for high-level skills in sectors like engineering, technology, digital, manufacturing and construction.”

The CBI found that approximately 40% of UK employers have a hard time finding staff with the required skills needed; in particular workers who are experienced in stem subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths). Furthermore, this means that despite figures from the Migration Observatory and ONS showing an increase in the number of migrant workers in the UK, there are still vacancies that need to be filled.

Successful UK Tier 2 Work Visa Applications

Our team of experienced and professionally qualified immigration solicitors and barristers will be able to guide you through the process of making a work related visa application step by step and limit the possibility of failure by complying with the strict letter of law.

We also undertake a great deal of appeal work before the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal and have a successful track record of successful results for our clients. We have the experience and the knowledge required to take your case forward successfully. If you have had a Tier 2 General visa refused, contact us to discuss your case so that we can provide you with a case assessment.

Contact us so that we can review your case and provide you with an assessment.

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