New migration statistics released on 8 July show Pakistani nationals sponsored under the Skilled Worker route are bringing far larger families than any other group. In the year ending March 2026, 1,029 Pakistani main applicants were accompanied by 6,155 dependants—an average of six per worker, according to a Brussels Signal analysis of Home Office data. By comparison, Indian applicants (the largest cohort) sponsored roughly four dependants each, and Nigerian applicants fewer than two. Across all Skilled Worker and Health & Care Worker routes, dependants accounted for 64 per cent of total visas granted. Policymakers had assumed that tightening salary thresholds and skill levels would naturally curb overall numbers; instead, generous family-unity rules have driven rapid growth in dependant visas, challenging the objective of reducing net migration.
![Pakistani Skilled-Worker migrants average six dependants each, new stats reveal]()
VisaHQ’s specialist visa processing platform can help employers and individual migrants stay abreast of any forthcoming changes to UK dependant policy. Through its United Kingdom portal, users can access real-time guidance, document checklists and application support, ensuring compliance and reducing administrative burden even as the Skilled Worker route evolves.
The figures arrive as the new government reviews post-Brexit work-route design. Ministers are reportedly considering limits on the number of dependants who may accompany migrants in lower-paid shortage-occupation roles, especially in social care. Think-tanks warn that any cap must be balanced against recruitment needs in critical sectors and the UK’s obligations to protect family life. For employers, the trend has operational consequences. HR teams sponsoring Pakistani or Indian workers should budget for higher healthcare surcharges, schooling enquiries and relocation allowances. Local authorities in areas with high concentrations of care-home visas say housing and school-place planning now requires closer coordination with large sponsors. Immigration lawyers expect the Home Office to consult on dependant eligibility later this summer. Businesses with global mobility programmes are advised to audit current policies and consider whether alternative routes—such as the Global Business Mobility or Scale-up visa—offer more predictable family provisions.
VisaHQ’s specialist visa processing platform can help employers and individual migrants stay abreast of any forthcoming changes to UK dependant policy. Through its United Kingdom portal, users can access real-time guidance, document checklists and application support, ensuring compliance and reducing administrative burden even as the Skilled Worker route evolves.
The figures arrive as the new government reviews post-Brexit work-route design. Ministers are reportedly considering limits on the number of dependants who may accompany migrants in lower-paid shortage-occupation roles, especially in social care. Think-tanks warn that any cap must be balanced against recruitment needs in critical sectors and the UK’s obligations to protect family life. For employers, the trend has operational consequences. HR teams sponsoring Pakistani or Indian workers should budget for higher healthcare surcharges, schooling enquiries and relocation allowances. Local authorities in areas with high concentrations of care-home visas say housing and school-place planning now requires closer coordination with large sponsors. Immigration lawyers expect the Home Office to consult on dependant eligibility later this summer. Businesses with global mobility programmes are advised to audit current policies and consider whether alternative routes—such as the Global Business Mobility or Scale-up visa—offer more predictable family provisions.
