Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Visa applications fall following curbs

Home secretary James Cleverly said the new numbers show that the Conservative party’s measures to curb immigration is working

Visa applications fall following curbs

IMMIGRATION remains a hot topic in the upcoming election and finds prominence in the manifestos of both the Conservatives and Labour.

The recent curbs on student visas by the Sunak government have led to a 30 per cent fall in applications.


The number of students with dependents applying has dropped by almost 80 per cent, Daily Mail reports.

In January the dependent visa facility was restricted only to research students.

The overall number of migrants and their dependants who applied for three main types of visa fell by nearly a third year-on-year, Home Office reports.

It included a 79 per cent drop in the number of student dependents.

In the first five months of 2023, 46,700 student dependents applied to come here – compared with just 9,700 in the same period this year.

There is also a 22 per cent fall in the number of foreign care workers who applied to bring family members to the UK.

In the first five months this year it was 61,600, down from 78,600 in the same period last year.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said the new numbers show that the Conservative party's measures to curb immigration is working.

In its election manifesto, the Conservative Party has pledged further curbs, including introducing a migration cap which would bring numbers down every year.

Office for National Statistics estimates indicate that in 2023, net migration – the difference between the number of migrants coming to live in Britain and those emigrating – was 685,000.

Sunak government's recent moves could bring it down to as low as 150,000 a year, an expert told Daily Mail.

Apart from curbs on student visa, the other steps taken by Sunak government to curb immigration include increasing the minimum salary requirement for some skilled work visas by nearly 50 per cent, as well as increasing the salary requirements for skilled workers.

Labour's shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper has said her party wants to see significant changes across the economy to reduce reliance on overseas workers.

It plans to pass a new law to force different parts of the government to draw up skills improvement plans in high-migration sectors.

It is not yet clear how these plans would be enforced.

Labour leader Keir Starmer had last month said his party will create a new Border Security Command to tackle people-smuggling gangs bringing migrants across the Channel.

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less