New UK government immigration statistics reveal that Pakistani nationals on Skilled Worker visas are bringing significantly more dependants than other major nationalities, with each main applicant accompanied by an average of six family members.
According to the Home Office’s Immigration System Statistics for the year ending March 2026, Pakistan was one of the top nationalities for Skilled Worker visas.
While the exact ratio varies slightly by period, data shows Pakistani main applicants sponsored roughly six dependants (partners and children) for every primary visa holder; a far higher ratio than for Indian or Nigerian nationals, who typically bring far fewer family members.
According to official Home Office immigration statistics for the year ending March 2026, 1,029 Pakistani nationals received Skilled Worker main-applicant visas, while 6,155 dependant visas were granted to family members of Pakistani main applicants in the same route.
The figures form part of a wider pattern in the UK’s skilled migration routes.
Across both the Skilled Worker and Health & Care Worker categories, a total of 110,725 visas were granted, of which only 40,254 (36 per cent) went to main applicants and 70,471 (64 per cent) to dependants.
On the Skilled Worker route alone there were 29,745 main applicants and 38,322 dependants, while the Health & Care Worker route recorded 10,509 main applicants and 32,149 dependants.
The figures have renewed debate about the design of the post-Brexit points-based system, which was intended to control overall migration while attracting high-skilled workers.
Critics argue that generous dependant rules, especially for lower-skilled roles within the “skilled” category, have undermined the policy’s original intent and contributed to record net migration.
Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf reacted on X, saying: “The Health and Care visa program – introduced by the Tories – is an industrial scale scam on the British people.”
He added that the grantees should not be allowed to stay.
The Skilled Worker route remains the largest category, but dependants now make up a substantial and growing proportion of total grants.
India remains the top nationality for main applicants, also bringing in a huge number of dependents. 2,395 Indians brought in 10,504 dependents.
As a large share of Skilled Worker visas (particularly for care workers) go to nationals from countries with high dependant sponsorship rates, this adds pressure on housing, schools, and public services.
The statistics come as the new government reviews the immigration system, with senior ministers signalling possible tightening of dependant rules for lower-paid roles.
Supporters of the current system claim that family unity is a human right and that many dependants also contribute economically.
