The impact of migration on the British population in 2022 and 2023 has been more significant than initially thought, according to revised figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In the year ending June 2023, a record 906,000 people were added to the population due to migration, highlighting the critical role migration plays in shaping the UK’s demographic landscape. As of the 2021/22 Census, 16% of the population in the United Kingdom was born outside the country, amounting to approximately 10.7 million individuals. This figure reflects a significant increase from previous years, as the foreign-born population was around 9% in 2004 and 13.8% in the 2011 Census.
The ONS has re-evaluated preliminary migration figures over several years, revealing that the number of immigrants arriving in the UK up to June 2023 was underestimated by tens of thousands, while the number of departures was greatly overestimated. This correction indicates that the population increase due to migration was not 740,000, as previously estimated, but rather 906,000.
Migration remains a pivotal political issue in the UK. The latest estimates suggest that in the year ending June 2023, approximately 1.2 million people migrated to the UK, with the majority, around 1 million, coming from outside Europe. India, Nigeria, and Pakistan were among the top countries of origin for these migrants. In contrast, about 10% of the migrants came from the European Union, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
For the year ending June 2024, current estimates indicate a decline in the migration balance, with 728,000 more people arriving than leaving. This represents a 20% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. This trend is part of a broader shift, as the UK’s migration patterns continue to evolve in response to various factors, including policy changes and global events.
The increase in migration since 2021 is largely driven by an increase in non-EU citizens arriving in the UK, particularly for work and study reasons. The health and care sector has been a major driver of this growth, with a substantial rise in “Skilled Worker – Health and Care” visa grants. Additionally, recent policy changes, including adjustments to visa rules and eligibility criteria, are expected to impact future migration levels.
