The number of visas issued to foreign workers and students has fallen by almost 100,000 as a result of tough reforms introduced by the previous government.

Tougher rules in both categories, introduced by the Conservatives earlier this year, saw the total number of visas issued fall to 718,607 in the 12 months to June.

The number of work visas issued to top applicants fell by 11 percent, while the number of foreign students fell by 13 percent from the previous year.

Former Conservative Home Secretary James Cleverly sprang into action after net migration – the difference between people settling in Britain long-term and those emigrating – hit a record high of 764,000 in 2022.

The total number of visas issued fell to 718,607 in the 12 months to June (stock photo)

The number of work visas issued to top applicants fell by 11 percent, while the number of foreign students fell by 13 percent year-on-year (stock photo)

The previous government said the measures would eventually reduce the number of people coming to Britain by 300,000 a year.

According to experts, Labour would now benefit from the work of the Tories.

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to reduce net migration, but he has not said by how much.

The latest figures published by THU yesterday also showed an unexpected 40 percent increase in the number of family visas issued in the year, to just under 99,000.

This type of travel permit is applied for by British nationals who wish to bring their spouse or other family member here.

Part of the increase can be attributed to families rushing to overcome higher financial thresholds introduced in April.

Until then, sponsors had to show an annual income or savings of £18,600 per family member. This has now been increased to £29,000.

Former Conservative Home Secretary James Cleverly (pictured) took action after net migration hit a record high of 764,000 in 2022

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to reduce net migration but has not said by how much

Yesterday’s THU figures also showed that more than 246,000 people were granted British citizenship in the year to June, a 37 per cent increase on the previous 12 months.

The increase was driven by subsidies to non-EU nationals, including nearly 22,300 Indians, almost 19,500 Pakistanis and more than 10,900 Nigerians.

Dr Ben Brindle of the University of Oxford’s Migration Observatory said: ‘Visa numbers have fallen in recent months of the Conservative government and emigration has also increased.

‘In theory, this should mean a decline in net migration over the coming year.

But its precise magnitude is difficult to predict.

‘However, there is strong evidence that Labour can deliver on its promise to reduce net migration. Net migration has been exceptionally high in the UK recently, largely due to trends that were already underway before they were elected.’