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More than 151,000 overseas nationals from outside the EU were granted permission to work: almost four times the level when Labor took power in 1997. It was announced to MPs that 151,635 work visa applications were granted between December 2007 and November last year.

The greatest numbers of visas were issued to enable to following nationalities to work in the UK: Indians: 49,950, Americans: 28,835, Chinese Nationals: 8,090.

The British Trade & Cultural Office (BTCO) announced recently that from 3 March 2009 Taiwan passport-holders who visit the United Kingdom will not need a visa. This benefits those who will visit for less than six months on business or as a tourist, family visitor or student visitor.

"Britain enjoys strong commercial and cultural ties with Taiwan", David Campbell, the BTCO's new Director said. "Lifting the visa requirement for stays of less than six months will help to build on that to the benefit of both British and Taiwanese people."

The removals firm Pickfords' Move Monitor Survey found that there was a 31 percent increase in the numbers of immigrants from the UK moving to Australia in 2008 compared to 2007.

40,000 Brits moved to Australia in 2007; 23,000 say that they will stay permanently in Australia.

Over ten years the level of emigration from the UK to Australia has more than doubled. The current economic situation in the UK has also led to an increase in immigration to Australia.

Due to the economic situation in the UK Jacqui Smith the Home Secretary has announced changes which will make it more difficult to come under the points based system.
From 1 April the Government will: