UK Government’s Uncertainty on Immigrant Status
The UK government has acknowledged that it lacks clarity regarding the whereabouts of over 150,000 legal immigrants who entered the country under social care visas. This group, often termed the “Boris Waves,” surged into the UK following post-Brexit immigration changes initiated by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Unfortunately, the government has been unable to track whether these individuals have left the country, changed jobs, or, in some cases, become undocumented.
Under Johnson’s 2022 immigration policy reforms, which surprisingly led to a spike in migration despite his earlier commitments to reduce it, care staff were included in the “skilled workers” category. Consequently, around 154,402 five-year visas were issued. It’s worth mentioning, though, that many of these immigrants may have entered as family members of social care workers until this avenue was closed the following year. As a result, the number of visas sharply decreased—from 107,772 in 2023 to just 9,539 in 2024. The social care immigration path was ultimately discontinued earlier this year.
Government care minister Stephen Kinnock admitted in Congress that there is no concrete data linking visa status to individuals’ current situations. “As a result,” he noted, “we cannot estimate how many people entered the UK on social care work visas.” Kinnock suggested that while some might have returned to their home countries or changed to other visa categories, it’s plausible that a significant number remain illegally due to expired visas.
Chris Phillip, the shadow interior secretary from the Conservative Party, criticized the Labour government’s handling of the situation, saying that the presence of over 150,000 migrants indicates a “loss of control” at the UK’s borders. He emphasized the need for a sharp reduction in immigration levels and called for the expulsion of individuals violating their visa terms.
Some Conservative MPs have proposed enforcing an annual cap on visas issued, suggesting a much lower threshold. While Labour has declined such proposals, it’s interesting to reflect on the fact that the Conservative Party itself resisted imposing a cap during Boris Johnson’s leadership, despite critics warning that it might lead to increased immigration.
The Home Office also pointed out that Labour inherited a data system ill-equipped to track the long-term outcomes of health and care visa holders, including whether they remain in the UK or continue working in the sector. This lack of data will likely intensify public frustration regarding the failure of both major parties to manage immigration effectively and safeguard the country’s borders, which has led to protests against mass migration throughout the UK.
This isn’t the first instance of the government admitting uncertainty about the number of foreigners residing in the country. A report from the National Audit Office in 2020 revealed that officials “do not know” how many people are living in the UK illegally.
