Indians top list of immigrants to UK in 2023: Here's how many went to work, study and play

In 2023, Indians comprised the largest group of immigrants to the UK, with a total of 250,000 arrivals, according to the latest data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). This group included 127,000 individuals who came for work, 115,000 who arrived for study, and 9,000 who immigrated for other reasons. Following Indians were Nigerians (141,000), Chinese (90,000), and Pakistanis (83,000).

Despite this influx, net migration to the UK dropped by 10% last year to 685,000, down from the record high of 764,000 in 2022. Foreigners arriving to study or work are included in these immigration figures.

A significant shift has occurred in the composition of UK immigration. Non-EU arrivals accounted for 85% of the total in 2023, a sharp contrast to the pre-2021 period when EU nationals constituted the largest group of long-term immigrants. The primary reason for non-EU nationals moving to the UK is now work rather than study. In the year ending December 2023, 423,000 non-EU nationals came to work in the UK, marking a 53% increase from the previous year’s 277,000.


The number of dependants accompanying those on long-term work visas has surpassed the number of main applicants. In 2023, there were 279,131 visas granted to dependants of people on work visas, which is 80% higher than in 2022. Of these, 203,452 visas were granted to dependants of health and care workers. This increase is largely attributed to the rise in dependants of those on health and care visas.

The Home Office reported that 337,240 work visas were issued to main applicants in 2023, including 146,477 health and care visas, a 91% increase from 76,724 in the previous year. Among these, 89,236 visas were granted to care workers, with Indians receiving 18,664 care worker visas, making them the largest group of recipients. Additionally, over half of the nurse visas (11,322) were awarded to Indians.

In the realm of education, 114,409 graduate visas were issued to main applicants in 2023, with Indians receiving the largest share at 50,053 visas. Indians also led in the number of study visas granted. However, recent Home Office statistics reveal a decline in study visas issued to Indian nationals. Specifically, 21,800 fewer Indian nationals came to the UK for master’s level studies in the year ending March 2024 compared to the previous year. This decrease is attributed to new restrictions on bringing dependants that were implemented in January.