Britain's Surging Immigration Numbers Explained: The Impact of Cheap Care Workers and International Students' Dependents

Introduction

A recent analysis conducted by Sun on Sunday has shed light on the reasons behind Britain's significant increase in net migration. The surge in immigration can be attributed to two main factors: the reliance on cheap care home labor and the growing number of international students bringing their dependents. This article will delve into the details of these factors and explore their impact on the country's immigration figures.

Rise in Foreign Care Home Workers

One of the key contributors to the surge in immigration is the care home industry's heavy reliance on foreign nationals. In February 2022, jobs in the industry were added to the Government's shortage occupation list, leading care home bosses to recruit more foreign workers. According to figures compiled by Skills for Care, approximately 70,000 foreign workers arrived in the UK and started direct care roles in the independent sector between March 2022 and 2023. This marked a significant increase from previous years, with only 20,000 workers in 2021/22 and 10,000 in the preceding 12 months.

International Students and Their Dependents

Another factor contributing to the rise in net migration is the increase in the number of international students bringing their dependents to the UK. Office for National Statistics data reveals that the number of partners or children accompanying international students from outside the EU has risen by 14-fold over the past four years. In the year to June 2019, there were 7,000 dependents, compared to a staggering 96,000 this year. When including dependents who stayed for less than a year, the figure rises to 154,000.

Financial Impact of International Students

Universities in the UK heavily rely on international students who pay higher tuition fees. In the most recent academic year, non-EU fees amounted to £8.9 billion, while EU fees accounted for just over £1 billion. Combined, these fees represented 21% of the total income of British universities, which amounted to £46.8 billion. The income from non-EU fees has been steadily increasing, rising from £7.4 billion in 2020/21 and £4.6 billion in 2016/17.

The Government's Response

In response to the surge in net migration, the government has announced several measures. A ban on international students bringing dependents will be implemented from January, and Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick is considering preventing foreign students from staying in the UK after completing their studies. However, reports suggest that these measures have led to a rush of applications from students trying to beat the ban. Some universities have even opened up applications in November and December to accommodate the increased demand.

The Impact on the Care Sector

The care sector, which heavily relies on cheap foreign labor, is also a major factor behind the significant rise in immigration. Approximately 20% of care home staff in England are foreign nationals. The government is considering increasing salary thresholds, capping visas, and limiting the number of dependents that foreign social care workers can bring to the UK. However, experts warn that such measures could negatively impact the sector's ability to meet the growing demand for care and support.

Expert Opinions

Various experts and politicians have weighed in on the issue. Prof Martin Green, the chief executive of Care England, has urged the government to carefully consider its plans, as additional barriers to international recruitment could hinder the care sector's ability to keep up with demand. Tory MP Marco Longhi has criticized the university situation, describing it as "madness," and questioning the decision to allow dependents of international students. Think tank Migrant Watch has demanded answers from the government, suggesting that the rise in immigration was either a result of naivety or a deliberate attempt to bring cheaper workers to the country.

Conclusion

The surge in net migration in Britain can be attributed to the reliance on cheap care home labor and the growing number of international students bringing their dependents. As the government implements measures to address these issues, it must carefully consider the impact on various sectors and the country's ability to meet the demand for care and support. The financial contribution of international students to universities is significant, but concerns have been raised about the pressure on housing and the reliance on non-EU fees. The debate surrounding immigration and its impact on various sectors is likely to continue as the government strives to strike a balance between economic benefits and the needs of the country.