The Office for National Statistics (ONS) release estimates several times across the year, on how many people are entering and leaving the country.
ONS estimates are calculated from the International Passenger Survey, which is completed at UK ports with passengers passing through ports and via routes into and out of the UK.
Overview
ONS reported that the estimated net long-term migration into the UK was 298,000 in the year ending September 2014, this is an increase from the previous year estimate of 210,000. However, it is significantly below the peak of 320,000 in the year ending June 2005.
It was approximated that 624,000 people immigrated to the UK, in the year ending September 2014. A significant increase when compared to the 530,000 figure from the preceding 12 months. There were increases of non-EU citizens (49,000 increase totalling 292,000) and EU (non- British) citizens (43,000 increase totalling 251,000).
Immigration Statistics UK 2015
The Migration Statistics Quarterly Report, February 2015, provided the following additional figures:
- Approximately 327,000 people emigrated to the UK in the year ending September 2014. Since 2010 emigration levels have been somewhat stable.
- 271,000 people immigrated for work related reasons in the year ending September 2014, an increase of 54,000 when compared with the previous year.
- Estimated employment figures of EU nationals (excluding British) living in the UK was 269,000 higher in October to December 2014, when compared to the previous year. Over the same time period, British nationals in employment also increased by 375,000, whilst non-EU nationals employment fell by 29,000.
- In the year ending September 2014, the number of work-related visas granted (main applicant applications) rose by 8,833, which reflects a 6,142 increase for skilled work.
- Number of immigrates travelling to the UK for study purposes increased from 175,000 to 192,000 in the year ending September 2014. Visa applications to study at a UK based university rose to 171,065 a 2% increase.
- The number of immigrants entering the UK to accompany or join others increased from 66,000 to 90,000, in the year ending September 2014.
- EU2 (Romanian and Bulgarian) citizens immigrating to the UK in the year ending September 2014 was at 37,000, a significant increase of 24,000 from the previous year. Of these, 27,000 came for work, a rise of 10,000 when compared to the year ending September 2013.
Official population estimates will be released in the summer, the annual estimates are considered to be very reliable, however, for a true and final figure we will have to wait for the next Census, in 2021. Approximately two elections away!
To access the latest migration statistics on ONS please click here.
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
