Home Office data shows that the UK received 111,000 asylum applications in the year to June 2025 – a 14% increase on the previous year, and higher than the previous peak in 2002. Many people ask: where does the money for asylum seekers and refugees actually come from? Is it funded directly by taxpayers’ contributions?

With salary thresholds for uk immigration visas rising and potential reforms to the Graduate Visa, the idea of setting up a company to obtain a work visa has gained traction, drawing interest from entrepreneurs and highly skilled professionals alike. But is it really that simple? What exactly is a self-sponsorship visa, and what are the requirements for setting up a company? The sweeping reforms targets 34 different benefits, from disability allowances to chronic illness sup