There has been a steady rise in the cost of immigration in the UK. Recent government figures highlight that applications for skilled worker visas were down by 6% between April and December 2024 vs 2023. Additionally, sponsored study visas were 14% lower in 2024 than in 2023.
In an article for People Management, Partner Tim Hayes outlines why the heightened costs may impact the government’s plans for economic growth.
UK immigration costs are much higher than those in many other countries, including Canada, Germany, France and the US, even when stripping out the IHS charge. There is a case for, at the very least, a lengthy pause in the seemingly relentless rise in immigration fees or, at best, a more dynamic immigration fee system that can prioritise potential growth sectors of the economy with lower visa costs.
Tim Hayes
Partner
Read the full article on the People Management website.
