UK migrants shift from skilled workers to asylum seekers

Thousands of migrants in the UK, who initially arrived as skilled workers, have claimed asylum, according to the National Audit Office. Asylum claims surged from 53 in 2022 to 5,300 in the first ten months of 2024. The number of skilled workers applying for permanent residency also rose by 80% to 44,000 in 2024. Dependants of skilled workers increased by 360% from 2021 to 2023. The Home Office lacks clarity on the status of many visa holders after their visas expire. The NAO report highlights that changes to the skilled worker visa route have not been fully assessed for their impacts. The Home Office is expected to evaluate the visa route by 2025, but concerns remain about its effectiveness and data usage.