The United Kingdom has granted 20,152 work visas to Zimbabwean imigrants in the health and care sector as of June 2023, marking a substantial 372% increase from 2022.
This surge in visas aligns with a growing trend of locals seeking better opportunities abroad.
According to the UK government’s national statistics report, Zimbabwe ranks third in the number of health and care worker visas granted, following India with 33,669 and Nigeria with 22,278.The report indicates that long-term immigration on work-related visas constituted 33% of non-EU long-term immigration in the year ending June 2023, totaling an estimated 322,000 arrivals—compared to 198,000 in the previous year.
The introduction of ‘Skilled Worker’ and ‘Skilled Worker — Health and Care’ visas in 2020 contributed to the growth in long-term sponsored work visas, with health and care visas being the most sought-after.
Notably, Indian nationals accounted for 38% of all dependents issued a work visa, followed by Nigerian and Zimbabwean nationals at 17% and 9%, respectively.
The data reveals a significant increase in worker visas granted to main applicants (78% in the year ending June 2023) due to a substantial rise in ‘Skilled Worker — Health and Care’ visas.
The report also highlights a noteworthy 99% increase in grants to dependants of those with work visas in the year ending June 2023 compared to the previous year.
Overall, the UK experienced a surge in net migration for work reasons, rising from 168,000 in the year ending June 2022 to 278,000 in the year ending June 2023, constituting 36% of total net migration.
This indicates a substantial shift in the landscape of immigration for work purposes.
