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. Immigration Rules The detailed legal framework, laid before Parliament by the Home Secretary, governing who may enter and remain in the UK and under what conditions. Originally 20 pages long […]
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. Home Office The UK government department responsible for immigration, border security, policing, and counter-terrorism. Within immigration, it includes UK Visas and Immigration, Immigration Enforcement, and Border Force. The Home Secretary […]
Statistics & measurement
Return to the Migration Glossary Table of Contents The data sources, definitions, and methods used to count and track migration flows and the migrant population. Net migration The difference between the number of people arriving in the UK to live (immigration) and the number leaving (emigration), over a given period. It is the headline figure […]
Irregular migration
Return to the Migration Glossary Table of Contents Migration that takes place outside legal channels, including Channel crossings, clandestine entry, overstaying, and people smuggling. Irregular migration / unauthorised migration Migration that takes place outside official, legal channels. In the UK context, it includes clandestine entry, Channel crossings in small boats, visa overstaying, and remaining after […]
Enforcement, returns & removals
Return to the Migration Glossary Table of Contents The powers and processes used to enforce immigration law and remove people with no right to remain. Enforced removal The compulsory return of a person to their country of origin or a safe third country by the Home Office, against their will. It typically follows a refused […]
Asylum system
Return to the Migration Glossary The process by which people fleeing persecution claim protection in the UK, from initial application through decision and appeal. Table of Contents Asylum claim / application A formal request made to the Home Office by a person seeking protection in the UK on the grounds that they face persecution or […]
Immigration status & leave
The legal permissions that determine whether someone may enter, stay in, or settle permanently in the UK. Table of Contents Leave to enter Permission granted by an immigration officer at the UK border for a person to enter the country. It specifies the conditions of the person’s stay, including duration and whether they may work […]
Visa routes & programmes
Return to the Migration Glossary Table of Contents The official pathways through which people may come to the UK to work, study, join family, or seek protection. Points-Based System (PBS) The framework introduced in 2008 and substantially reformed after Brexit, through which the UK manages immigration for work and study. Applicants must score a minimum […]
People & status categories
Return to the Migration Glossary The different types of people involved in migration, from tourists and students to refugees, citizens, and those without legal status. Table of Contents Migrant A person who moves from one country to another. In UK statistics, this typically refers to someone who changes their country of usual residence for at […]
Democracy At Work
While the votes are still being counted in some areas of the country, the message from Thursday’s elections, especially in England and Wales, is unmistakable. The voters have delivered their verdict on the political establishment: “we have had enough of you”.