Nine in ten out-of-policy applications are still waiting

Share of applications awaiting a decision for posts on the in-policy list compared with posts outside it, 1 January to 22 October 2026.

• Approved
• Rejected
• Withdrawn
• Awaiting decision

Bars show the share of each group. In-policy: 902 applications. Out-of-policy: 98 applications.

Source: Freedom of Information response, long-term employment permit submissions 1 January to 22 October 2026. Graphic: The Quarry