UK Migration 2024: Surprising Shifts in the Numbers
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that 728,000 people migrated to the UK in the year leading to June 2024, marking a 20% drop from the revised 906,000 arrivals of the previous year. Here’s a summary of the key points:
Migration trends
Total Migration: 1.2 million people came to the UK intending to stay for at least a year, while 479,000 left, resulting in a net migration figure of 728,000.
Historical Context: Net migration has fluctuated significantly, peaking after 2021 but now showing a downward trend.
Demographics of migrants
- British nationals: 5% (58,000)
- EU+ nationals (EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland): 10% (116,000)
- Non-EU+ nationals: 86% (1.0 million)
- 82% (845,000) were of working age.
- 8% (84,000) sought asylum, including irregular arrivals.
- Indian nationals were the most common for work (116,000) and study (127,000).
Work Visas
- Applicants need 70 points to qualify, with higher salary thresholds: £38,700 (up from £26,200).
- There are exceptions for healthcare, social care, and education roles.
- Health and Social Care Visas:
- Issued visas dropped by 26% to 89,095, partly due to rule changes on dependents.
Family and Seasonal Visas
- 84,403 visas were granted, a 12% increase, with the income threshold for sponsors now set at £29,000.
- 47,000 visas were issued for horticulture and poultry roles, with the majority of workers coming from Central Asia.
Impact of Brexit
- Net EU Migration: -95,000, meaning more EU nationals left the UK than arrived.
- Net British Migration: -21,000, as more British nationals left than returned.
- Non-EU Migration: The main driver of net migration, accounting for 845,000 people.
Challenges and Reactions
Changes to government policies, such as higher salary thresholds and limits on dependents, aim to control migration but have faced criticism for worsening labor shortages in sectors like health and agriculture. Migration trends continue to shift in the post-Brexit and post-pandemic landscape.