Most people still chose to immigrate to the UK for work, according to the estimates for total immigration. However, of the 311,000 who arrive for work, 130,000 came without a definite job in the YE June 2016, representing a statistically significant increase of 23,000 from the same time last year. Equally, of the 190,000 EU citizens coming to the UK for work, 82,000 arrived without a definite job, a statistically significant increase of 21,000 on the previous years’ figures. This finding in particular looks certain to increase pressure on the Government to deliver an alternative to existing EU rules on free movement of jobseekers as part of the upcoming Brexit negotiations. Interestingly, breaking this down by EU group citizenship reveals the following: 60% of EU2 citizens immigrated to the UK with a firm job offer in the YE June 2016, identical to the previous year. However, the proportion of those arriving from EU15 and EU8 countries with definite work fell from 69% to 60%, and 57% to 49% respectively.
https://openeurope.org.uk/today/blog/new-ons-figures-put-eu-non-eu-immigration-almost-level/
Looking at non-EU work related immigration shows that the number of Tier 2 visas issued in the YE June 2016 increased by 1% on the previous year. In particular, the information technology sector sponsored the greatest proportion of Tier 2 visa applications this year (42%), followed by professional, science and technical activities sectors (19%) and financial and insurance sectors (12%).
The second most common reason for immigration to the UK remains study. However, the total number of people immigrating for long-term education (over 12 months study) is estimated to be 163,000 for the YE June 2016, a statistically significant reduction of 30,000 from the previous year. This is also the lowest estimate for this form of immigration since December 2007. In particular, there was a significant drop in EU citizens coming to the UK to study, from 47,000 in YE June 2015 to 34,000.
Estimates for gross immigration may be higher compared with the same time last year, but the composition of this immigration has shifted. Again, these figures account for the year to June 2016, the effect of the Brexit vote on long-term international migration cannot yet be gleaned. Nonetheless, the fall in the number of foreign students might well become a reason for concern if the UK wishes to remain a magnet for talent from Europe and the rest of the world after Brexit.
This portrays that with Brexit and the UK potentially not having the same draw for international students, talent from Non-EU is essential and strengthens companies and the UK economy. For more information on visa sponsorship and Tier 2 General do contact consult@mavisas.co.uk.
Thanks in advance
Mason Alexander