In the latest data shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the number of work visas issued to Indian healthcare workers as well as IT professionals have dropped significantly. The information was shared by MEA in the Parliament on Monday. The drop of about 67% and 20% respectively, was largely attributed to the changes in the UK Immigration policy.
As per the information released, the number of Health and Care Worker Visas issued to Indians fell by 67 per cent to 16,606. The sharpest decline was to nursing professionals which saw a massive decline of 79 per cent. The Indian IT professional visas were also down. Only about 10,051 visas were given to the IT related professionals, which is a marked 20% reduction from previous years. These numbers for the year 2025.
UK Visa In News | UK Visa: Updated Global Universities 2025 List eligible for HPI Visa in UK
Reasons for drop
The largest reason for the significate drop in the number of visas could be the marked shift in the UK Immigration policy and reforms introduces in July this year. The immigration reforms were implemented on July 22, 2025 in an effort to curb down migration.
The most important of these was a increase in the minimum salary thresholds for skilled worker visas. The higher threshold reduced the entry of many mid-level professionals in the sectors.
Another reason was the change in the list of eligible occupations under Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker routes. The list was truncated, removing many roles. The revised system also encourages higher skill levels and formal education. This in turn closed off the entry points for many Indian workers.
A significant change in the rules regarding dependents which limits the ability of a migrant worker to bring family members has also led to the decline in visas.
Impact on Student Visas and Post Study Work Visas?
One of the most favoured routes to immigration to UK was the student to work pathways. The changes in the UK Immigration policy are expected to have a significant impact on the student and post-study work visas in the year to come.
It may be recalled that there is a proposal to reduce the two-year post study work visa for Graduates to 18 months. The new framework will also introduce a tighter check on English language requirements. These two changes are expected to reduce the time available as well as employment opportunities for international students in UK. Industry experts expect the changes to have a direct impact on the international student enrolment.
While the paper is in contradiction to the Young Professionals Scheme which allows Indians aged 18 to 30 years to stay for up to 2 years in UK, its actual impact will be known only when the proposal is accepted and implemented. At present, there is no change in the status quo.