Cheap Care Home Labor and International Students' Relatives Behind Surge in Net Migration

A recent analysis by the Sun on Sunday has revealed the reasons behind Britain's significant increase in net migration. The country's addiction to cheap care home labor and the rise in international students bringing dependents are the main factors driving this surge.

Foreign Nationals Comprise Almost 20% of Care Home Staff

According to the analysis, nearly 20% of care home staff in England are foreign nationals. This increase in reliance on foreigners can be attributed to the inclusion of care home jobs on the government's shortage occupation list in February 2022. In just one year, approximately 70,000 foreign workers joined the UK's independent care sector, compared to 20,000 the previous year.

Dependants of International Students Increase Immigration Numbers

An additional factor contributing to the rise in immigration numbers is the number of dependents accompanying international students. The Office for National Statistics reports a 14-fold increase in the number of partners or children traveling with a relative at university from outside the EU over the past four years. In the year to June 2023, 96,000 dependents arrived in the UK, compared to just 7,000 in the year to June 2019.

Universities Rely on Higher Tuition Fees from Foreign Students

British universities have become increasingly reliant on international students, who pay higher tuition fees. In the 2021/22 academic year, universities collected £8.9 billion in non-EU fees, accounting for 21% of the total revenue. This is a significant increase from £4.6 billion in the 2016/17 academic year.

Net Migration Reaches Highest Ever Level

Revised statistics show that net migration in the UK reached a record high of 745,000 last year, surpassing the previous estimate of 606,000. In response to this surge, the government has announced a ban on international students bringing dependents, which will take effect from January. The Immigration Minister is also considering measures to prevent foreign students from staying in the UK after completing their studies.

Concerns and Demands for Government Action

Experts and watchdogs have raised concerns about the impact of these immigration numbers. Some argue that imposing caps and restrictions on foreign social care workers may hinder the sector's ability to meet the growing demand for care. Others, including Tory MP Marco Longhi and think tank Migrant Watch, are demanding answers from the government regarding the rise in immigration and the inclusion of dependents.

Calls for Policy Changes and Tough Action

Former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe and Reform UK party member has called for a policy requiring international students to return home after completing their studies. She also suggests cracking down on "Mickey Mouse degrees" and reducing the number of universities relying on international students for revenue. Home Secretary James Cleverly has emphasized the government's efforts to reduce migration by addressing the issue of students bringing dependents to the UK.

Overall, the surge in net migration can be attributed to the employment of cheap care home labor and the increase in international students bringing dependents. The government is facing demands for action to address this issue and ensure the country's immigration policies are aligned with the needs of various sectors and the overall impact on the UK.