The United Kingdom has witnessed a significant decline in the number of international students and foreign workers migrating to the country, according to recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This trend marks a departure from the UK’s traditional attractiveness to global talent and raises concerns about the impact on the country’s economy and education sector. In the year ending March 2024, the number of international students arriving in the UK plummeted by 23% compared to the previous year, with a total of 210,000 students entering the country. This decline is attributed to the introduction of stricter visa rules and the UK’s exit from the European
Union (Brexit).

“The UK has always been a popular destination for international students, but the recent changes in visa policies and the uncertainty surrounding Brexit have made it more challenging for students to choose the UK as their study destination,” said Vivienne Stern, Director of Universities UK International. The decline in foreign workers is even more pronounced, with a 31% drop in the number of work-related visas issued in the same period. This decrease
is largely attributed to the UK’s new points-based immigration system, which prioritizes high skilled workers and has made it more difficult for lower-skilled workers to enter the country.

“The new immigration system is designed to attract the best and brightest talent from around the world, but it’s clear that the changes are having a significant impact on the number of foreign workers coming to the UK,” said Madeleine Sumner, Director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford. The decline in international students and foreign workers has significant implications for the UK’s economy and education sector. International students contribute significantly to the UK’s economy, with estimates suggesting that they generate over £25 billion in revenue each year. Similarly, foreign workers play a crucial role in filling labor gaps in key sectors such as healthcare and technology.

“The decline in international students and foreign workers is a concern for the UK’s economy and education sector. We need to ensure that our immigration system is attractive to global talent and supports the needs of our economy,” said Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper. In response to the decline, the UK government has announced plans to review the immigration system and make it more attractive to international students and foreign workers. The government has also announced plans to increase funding for international student recruitment and to streamline the visa application process. “We recognize the importance of international students and foreign workers to the UK’s economy and education sector. We will work to ensure that our immigration system is fair, efficient, and attractive to global talent,” said Immigration Minister, Robert Jenrick.