MW263 : Immigration – How to Achieve the Government’s Target | Migration Watch UK

The real problem with immigration is that non-EU migrants are failing to return home. That is the conclusion of a study published today by Migration Watch UK.

Over the past ten years non-EU migrants have been arriving at the rate of about 300,000 a year but have only been leaving at about 100,00 a year.

The Migration Watch UK paper suggests the following policy measures:

  • Increase enforcement on employers of illegal workers
  • Enforce planning regulations
  • Re-examine further leave to remain
  • Limit visitor visas to three months
  • Redefine “family visitors” and remove rights of appeal
  • Increase the detention estate

Commenting, Sir Andrew Green, Chairman of Migration Watch UK, said: “The most recent immigration statistics are very disappointing, but the central issue has largely been misunderstood in recent public discussion. Migrants are, of course, welcome but they should leave at the end of their stay. In many cases this is simply not happening. The government must focus on a range of measures to ensure their departure.”

Share this article

Public Attitudes to Migration

In November 2025, Migration Watch UK commissioned JL Partners to conduct a nationally representative poll of 1,520 UK adults on public attitudes toward net migration

Learn More

Policy & legal framework

Return to the Migration Glossary Table of Contents The laws, rules, and policies that govern the UK immigration system, from primary legislation to operational guidance.

Learn More

Institutions & bodies

Return to the Migration Glossary Table of Contents The government departments, agencies, courts, and advisory bodies responsible for managing and scrutinising immigration in the UK.

Learn More