Problem for the govt is it doesn't seem to have an articulated vision for the 'right' level of immigration in general (which is bad target anyway or (better) for specific forms of migration. It is just hoping that hardline rhetoric and falling numbers make the issue go away.

The costs of the UK’s Global Talent Visa looks a trifle high in comparison to competitor countries - largely through the Immigration Health Surcharge (which critics say is a form of double taxation as they contribute to the NHS through normal tax on their earnings)

I'd really recommend the British Academy Early Career Researcher Network (www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/early-career... ) - you don't need an affiliation to join, but you get access to free workshops & events (the network pays for travel to its own events), & to funding and grants!

This is the rise and fall of immigration up to December 2024. This is published visa data - facts, not projections. But the net migration figure covering the post-election period (to Dec 2024) is not out until the week after next, by linking it to an emigration estimate
www.gov.uk/government/c...