Uk Grants Fewer Work Visas but Asylum Claims Soar
The UK government has granted significantly fewer work visas to foreign workers in 2024 compared to the previous year, with a 37% decline in the number of visas issued. Asylum claims have also skyrocketed, reaching a record high of 108,138 in 2024. This uptick is attributed to the introduction of stricter policies for health and social care workers. However, despite efforts to clear the backlog, 125,000 people still await an initial decision on their asylum claims.
- The recent surge in asylum claims highlights the complexity of addressing immigration and labor market issues, particularly in a post-Brexit Britain where public opinion is increasingly polarized.
- What role will technological advancements play in streamlining asylum processes and reducing backlogs, and how can policymakers strike a balance between facilitating migration and managing public pressure on resources?