Last year, despite the energy crisis, the rising cost of living, a more stringent immigration system, and unpredictable weather, the UK welcomed a record-breaking number of people. According
to new Home Office data, an estimated 104.9 million people crossed the UK border, more than three times the number in the previous year due to pandemic travel restrictions. However, this figure was still lower than the 146.3 million recorded in 2019.
Interestingly, more people than ever opted to stay in the UK long-term, with net migration surpassing 500,000 for the first time. The latest census data reveals that in 2021, 10 million usual residents in England and Wales were born outside of the UK, accounting for 16.8 percent of the total population. This proportion is growing rapidly, with foreign-born residents making up just 8.9 percent of those living in Britain in 2001, and 13.4 percent in 2011.
In 2022, 175,972 people were granted British citizenship, with around a quarter originally from the EU. This figure is ten percent higher than in 2019. Additionally, the Home Office issued 2,836,490 visas in 2022, with around half going to short-term visitors. However, this figure is lower than the total number of arrivals, as many returning Brits and travellers from countries that do not require visas to enter the UK are not included.
In 2022, 485,758 sponsored study visas were issued to main applicants, an 81 percent increase from 2019. Similarly, work visas also saw a surge, with the 267,670 total almost double the pre-pandemic figure.
In response to Beijing's encroachment on Hong Kong's autonomy, the British Government introduced the British National (Overseas) route, allowing residents to live, work, and study freely in the UK. There have been 160,700 applications over the past two years, and the scheme has recently received funding for another year.
Finally, a further 34,338 EU Settlement Scheme permits were issued in 2022 to family members of people from the EU, European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland, almost six times the number granted in 2019 (6,611).
Despite the challenges faced by the UK, including the pandemic and economic uncertainty, the country continues to attract the brightest students, talented workers, and refugees seeking a safe haven. The government's response to the Hong Kong crisis and the significant increase in sponsored visas for study and work are positive indicators of the UK's commitment to remaining an attractive destination for international talent. Photo by dannyman, Wikimedia commons.