ONS have recorded the highest levels of immigration in the UK

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) have reported a record high for immigration levels in Britain, prompting the government to consider new restrictions.

Increasing from the 173,000 immigrants that were reported to have crossed the EU boarder in 2021, the ONS has revealed 504,000 have come over to Britain this year.

Reports show from January to June almost 40% of the 504,000 non-EU nationals that came to the UK arrived on study visas. 

The ONS said it was ‘possible’ that lifting COVID-19 travel restrictions in 2021 encouraged more students to travel to the UK for university having previously done their courses remotely. 

As a result of these growing numbers, the government is considering introducing new restrictions on ‘low-quality’ degrees and stopping foreign students from bringing their family members across with them.

Curbs being considered at Downing Street could also see international students barred unless they gain access to a high-ranking educational institution.  

After the figures were revealed yesterday, the Prime Minister’s Spokesperson said the government ‘will be looking at these figures and considering all options to make sure the immigration system is delivering. 

‘That does include looking at the issue of student dependents and low-quality degrees.’

Overseas students paying higher rates than domestic applicants have become a major funding stream for universities and there is pressure on departmental budgets due to inflation and fiscal tightening from the treasury, according to the government. 

However, Universities UK, an organisation that represents 140 universities, said that measures making it harder for foreign students to study in the UK would push away valuable postgraduates who make a ‘huge contribution to research and the skilled economy.’  

Home Secretary, Suella Braverman also said last month that the government could introduce a cap on foreign student numbers in a bid to reduce overall immigration levels.

Ms Braverman told MPs at the Conservative Party Conference that she would look to introduce more ‘balance’ into the immigration system and clamp down on the ‘very, very high numbers’ of low-skilled migrants, which she suggested included students.

‘I do think we do get to a point where we have to look at some of the courses that people are doing in this country, some of the institutions, they are not always very good quality’, Ms Braverman said.

As well as students making up a large proportion of the number of immigrants that have travelled to Britain, the ONS recorded 89,000 people had come from Ukraine and 21,000 from Afghanistan.

Photo by Airam Dato-on