Indians lead UK immigration, but also top voluntary returns list
Recent UK immigration statistics show that Indian nationals lead in work visas, study visas, and citizenship grants. Despite high legal migration numbers, the report also notes a small number of illegal arrivals and asylum claims by Indian citizens.
Why it matters
It highlights the shifting demographics of UK immigration and the complex legal pathways utilized by Indian nationals.
LONDON: Indians top the numbers of foreign nationals resettling in the UK, being granted British citizenship, gaining work visas, applying for study visas, and visiting the UK as a tourist, according to the latest immigration statistics released by the home office.In the year ending June 2026, Indians received the highest number of work visas at 47,009 (20% of total granted), of which 37,402 were worker visas (31% of those granted).The total number of work visas (234,841) was 18% fewer than the previous year due to policy changes and the abolition of the care worker visa and 62% fewer than the peak in the YE Dec 2023.Indians made the highest number of applications for study visas, applying for 89,763 visas. Of these, 83,958 were granted, the second-highest number after China.
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