Quarterly immigration statistics (released 28 February) have shown that the UK is continuing to attract visitors from China.
The number of visas issued to Chinese nationals has risen steadily since the year to June 2009. The statistics show that in the year to December 2012, the total number of visas issued to Chinese nationals has increased by 7 per cent from the year to December 2011, with an increase of 6 per cent in visit visas issued. There was also a 9 per cent increase in the number of study visas issued to Chinese nationals.
The government is working to continually improve the visa service in China, and the latest statistics demonstrate that Chinese nationals are still choosing the UK as a destination to visit, study and do business.
Immigration Minister Mark Harper said:
‘The continued growth in visas issued to Chinese nationals shows that our policies are working.
‘Our Chinese visa system provides an excellent service in terms of processing time, convenience and value for money. There has been strong and sustained growth in visitor numbers from China last year, with visit visas issued to 95 per cent of applicants who applied.
‘It is straightforward for Chinese tourists to apply for a visa. There is a form that can be completed online in just 10 minutes, information and guidance translated into Chinese and access to a Chinese language phone and email service.’
The statistics also show a significant fall in net migration. You can read the full story on the Home Office website.
Find out the facts about visas for Chinese nationals.
Link: UKBA Home Office
