Indians lead UK immigration, but also top voluntary returns list

In the year leading up to June 2026, India emerged as the leading source of immigrants to the United Kingdom, according to the most recent immigration statistics disclosed by the Home Office. Indians were not only the most frequent entrants but also the top group to voluntarily depart the country.

Indians stood out with the highest number of work visas granted, totaling 47,009. This represented 20% of all work visas issued during the period. Within the work visa category, which saw an 18% decrease from the previous year due to policy shifts and the discontinuation of the care worker visa, Indians also held the top spot. They accounted for 37,402 out of 234,841 work visas issued, comprising 31% of the total work visas.

When it came to study visas, Indians were once again in the lead, submitting 89,763 applications. However, not all applications were successful; 83,958 applications were granted, placing India second in this category after China. The total number of study visas granted to all nationalities decreased by 11% compared to the previous year and 41% compared to the highest point recorded in the year ending June 2023.

The statistics also revealed that Indians were the leading nationality with the highest number of visitor visas granted, amounting to 514,398. This accounted for 24% of all visitor visas issued and made them the largest nationality group among those granted settlement. Additionally, Indians received the most British citizenship grants, totaling 24,851.

It is important to note that while many Indians entered the UK through legal routes, some did so illegally. A total of 471 Indians arrived on rubber dinghies from France, making them the 12th most common nationality group to enter the UK this way. The top five nationalities entering the UK illegally were Eritrea, Sudan, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Iran.

In terms of asylum applications, Pakistanis led the way with 8,305 applications, of which 25% were granted at the initial decision stage. However, Indians ranked eighth for asylum claims, making 4,964 claims, and only 30 (1%) were granted at the initial decision stage.

During the specified period, 633 Indians were forcibly returned to their home country, placing them in the fourth spot for enforced returns. Notably, Indians also represented the largest group among those who voluntarily returned to India, with a total of 10,226 voluntary returns.