Annual net migration in the United Kingdom exceeds 672,000 for the first time
Annual net migration to the United Kingdom has surged to unprecedented levels, with the year leading up to June 2023 seeing a notable influx of 672,000 individuals, although slightly lower than the previous year’s 745,000. This surge can be attributed to various factors, including the nation’s compassionate response to crises in Ukraine, Hong Kong, and Afghanistan, leading to over 80,000 individuals seeking refuge through established schemes.
Over that time, an estimated 1.1 million long-term immigrants came, an increase of 435,000 over the prior year. EU citizens made up the majority of those departing from Britain.
Together, three new visa programs—for British nationals from Hong Kong, Afghanistan, and Ukraine—increased arrivals by almost 138,000.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) says that the rise was caused by a rise in the number of international students who had been studying from home during the COVID-19 epidemic and a return to travel after the outbreak.
“In the 12 months leading up to June 2022, a number of global events had an impact on international migration patterns.” “These were unprecedented collectively, the ONS Center for International Migration’s Jay Lindop remarked.
According to Lindop, “migration from non-EU countries, particularly students, is driving this growth.” It is too soon to judge if this image will be sustained because of the numerous factors, many of which act independently of one another, that are currently influencing migration.
Additionally, the rise is fueled by an increase in overseas students and care workers. Acknowledging the challenges posed, the government has initiated measures to address this surge, particularly targeting the influx of students bringing dependents, effective as of January 2024.
Furthermore, recent governmental announcements on December 4, 2023, outlined plans to significantly reduce migration levels, denying entry to approximately 300,000 individuals who arrived in the previous year. Detailed implementation strategies were disseminated to MPs in December 2023 and further elucidated in January 2024, signalling the government’s proactive stance on managing annual net migration to the United Kingdom.
