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Britain's Work Visas Plummet 50% Amid Stricter Regulations

2/26/2026

23 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Britain issued 168,000 work visas in 2025, a 19% drop from 2024 and a 50% drop from 2023, per government data.
The decline follows stricter visa regulations to curb legal migration and illegal boat arrivals.
The Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, faces pressure from Reform UK led by Nigel Farage.
Health and care visa issuances halved.
Other skilled worker visas fell 36%, while illegal arrivals rose 7%.

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Story summary

Britain issued 168,000 work visas in 2025, a 19% drop from 2024 and a 50% drop from 2023, per government data.
The decline follows stricter visa regulations to curb legal migration and illegal boat arrivals.
The Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, faces pressure from Reform UK led by Nigel Farage.
Health and care visa issuances halved.
Other skilled worker visas fell 36%, while illegal arrivals rose 7%.