International migration

People moving into and out of the UK, long term migration, short term migration, and non-UK residents data providing a picture of those entering and leaving the UK, covering all lengths of stay.

Highlights

Migration Statistics Quarterly Report: August 2017

What's in the bulletin?

  • Net long-term international migration was estimated to be +246,000 in year ending (YE) March 2017, down 81,000 from +327,000 in YE March 2016; immigration was 588,000, down 50,000, and emigration was 342,000, up 31,000 (all statistically significant changes).
  • More than half of the change in net migration can be accounted for by a decrease in net migration of EU citizens (down 51,000); this was driven by an increase (33,000) in emigration for EU citizens (in particular EU8 emigration up 17,000 (both statistically significant)) and a 19,000 decrease in immigration (not statistically significant).
  • Of those who immigrated to work (275,000) in YE March 2017, the majority had a definite job (188,000) but fewer came to the UK looking for work (down 39,000 to 87,000 – a statistically significant decrease over the year); for emigration to work (182,000), people moving abroad for a definite job saw an increase of 21,000 to 122,000 (statistically significant).
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Articles

  • Note on the difference between National Insurance number registrations and the estimate of long-term international migration: 2016

    An information note examining available data on the difference between the registration of National Insurance numbers to adult overseas nationals, and International Passenger Survey estimates of long-term international migration. This note includes early release of the short-term international migration estimates, which will be released on 26 May 2016.

  • 2011 Census analysis: Social and Economic Characteristics by Length of Residence of Migrant Populations in England and Wales

    We look at characteristics of the population who were born outside the UK. We look at nationality, economic activity, qualifications, occupation, housing, and language with further comparisons being made with how long they have lived in England and Wales. Of the 6 million foreign-born population aged 16 to 64, 63% were in employment, a slightly lower level than those born in the UK at 69%. The percentage of those born abroad identifying with a UK national identity was found to be higher for those with a greater length of residence.

  • 2011 Census analysis: Immigration Patterns of Non-UK Born Populations in England and Wales in 2011

    Using historic and 2011 Census data, we look at the immigration patterns of residents who were born outside the UK. Over the past 60 years the population has become more diverse, with an increase in the number of residents who were born outside the UK, from just 4.3% in 1951 to 13% in 2011. The top 5 non-UK countries of birth in 2011 were India, Poland, Pakistan, Republic of Ireland and Germany. We also discuss the possible reasons for migration to the UK.

  • 2011 Census: Internal and international migration for the United Kingdom in the year prior to the 2011 Census

    We look at the usually resident population of the UK who were living at a different address (either in the UK or overseas), 1 year prior to the 2011 Censuses of England and Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Analysis is by age, sex and geography at national and local levels. Of the total UK population, results show that 12% had a different address 1 year previously, with a high majority of these moving from within the UK.

  • International Migrants in England and Wales: 2011

    Using 2011 Census data, we look at international migrants in England and Wales. Analysis by country of birth and passports held are reported at national, regional and local levels. Main findings show an increase in the number of residents who were born outside the UK, with 13% of residents born outside the UK in 2011, compared with just 9% in 2001. The most common non-UK countries of birth in 2011 were India, Poland and Pakistan.

  • 2011 Census: Non-UK born short-term residents in England and Wales

    An overview of short-term residents (STRs) in England and Wales who were born outside of the UK and who intend to stay in the UK for a period of between 3 and 12 months. Using 2011 Census data we look at age, sex and economic activity at national, regional and local levels. Main findings show that there were 195,000 short-term residents in England and Wales with 70% of this group aged 15 to 29 years.

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