20 Friday May 27 2022 | the times
More than a million foreigners were
offered visas to live in the UK over the
last year, the highest figure on record,
Home Office figures show.
The UK granted 994,951 visas in the
12 months to March 2022, up by more
than a third compared to pre-pandemic
levels. The numbers were driven by a
rise in students and skilled migrants.
There were also 113,000 visas granted
to Hongkongers under the scheme for
British National Overseas (BNO) pass-
port holders that began in January last
year in response to China’s national
security crackdown.
In addition, the UK granted asylum
to 15,451 people over the last year,
taking the number granted long-term
residency in the UK to the highest since
2005 when records began.
Figures published by the Office for
National Statistics revealed that net
immigration hit 239,000 in the 12
months to June 2021. Immigration
remained steady despite the severe
travel restrictions, with numbers down
from 260,000 in the year to June 2020.
This was driven by non-EU immigra-
tion, with 332,000 immigrating and
81,000 leaving the UK.
In a contrast to pre-Brexit years,
more EU nationals left the UK than ar-
rived, with 193,000 leaving and 181,
arriving, according to ONS estimates.
Critics said the figures betrayed Boris
Johnson’s pledge to reduce immigra-
tion at the last election. Alp Mehmet,
Chairman of Migration Watch UK,
said: “These astonishing figures show
around a million overseas nationals
being granted entry to live in the UK.
“Such a huge number of arrivals can
only add to strains on housing and ser-
vices, put further pressure on schools
and the NHS and worsen our conges-
tion woes.
“No wonder those who voted for the
government believing immigration
would be controlled and reduced feel
betrayed.”
The rate of asylum seekers granted
permission to stay in the UK is at its
highest in more than 30 years due to
Brexit, the Home Office said.
The UK granted asylum in three inNews
DAN KITWOOD/GETTY IMAGESMillion foreigners offered
UK visas despite delays
four of the 14,603 applications that it
reached a decision on in the 12 months
to March 2022.
The rate is higher than previous
years as 2021 was the first in which Brit-
ain was no longer bound by the EU’s
Dublin agreement. This allowed the
UK to reject claims on the basis that ap-
plicants should claim asylum in other
European countries they passed
through before coming to the UK.
The 75 per cent grant rate is the high-
est since 1990, when 82 per cent of asy-
lum seekers were given the right to stay,
according to Home Office data.
Asylum was granted to 98 per cent of
Syrians, 97 per cent of Eritreans, 95 per
cent of Sudanese, 91 per cent of Afghans
and 88 per cent of Iranians over the 12-
month period. Overall asylum applica-
tions hit 55,146 in the 12 months to
March 2022.
The asylum backlog continues to hit
record levels, with 110,000 people still
awaiting a decision at the end of March.
More than 9,000 migrants have
arrived in small boats this year, almost
triple the number this time in 2021.
Priti Patel, the home secretary, has
announced a new asylum action group
to find ways to streamline applications.
The average claim is taking more than
a year to process.
Data shows that 76 per cent of
asylum claims from men aged 18-
were granted, despite Patel claiming
that seven in ten of Channel migrants
were “economic migrants”.Matt Dathan Home Affairs Editor
Keep calm and carry on The Chelsea Flower Show is back and in full bloom, and
a theme of serenity and mindfulness runs through many of the garden designsAsylum applications
The rate of asylum seekers granted
asylum is at its highest since 1990, at
75 per cent2010 12 14 16 18 20 Mar
2022010,20,30,40,50,
Total applicationsGrantedDecisionsData for 2022 is for year ending March Source: ONSsst p a