In 2023, net migration to the UK dropped by over 10% compared to the previous year. After a record number of migrants arrived in 2022, the government increased the salary requirements for visas to reduce numbers.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), net migration in 2023 was recorded at 685,000. While over 1.2 million people arrived with an expectation to stay for at least a year, around 532,000 left the country. This figure is lower than the record net migration of 764,000 in 2022, but ONS stated it’s too early to tell if this is a long-term trend.

In 2023, 10% of those coming to the UK were EU citizens, while the majority were from non-EU countries, with the highest numbers from India, Nigeria, China, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe.

How Have Salary Rules Changed?

As of April 11, 2024, visa applicants looking to work in the UK need a higher-paying job offer. The new rules require applicants to earn at least £38,700, a 50% increase from the previous minimum of £26,200. This threshold excludes certain roles, such as health and social care workers and teachers.