Blogs
We publish blogs that draw on data and research, and through them we inform debate, spark discussion, and explore the wider implications of current developments.
Analysis, Commentary and Research Updates
Explore our latest publications on immigration and asylum policies. Stay informed with well-researched insights.
Response to 2001 Census figures… | Migration Watch UK
The following comment was issued to the media on February 13, 2003 in respect of the results of the 2001 Census. ‘These figures illustrate just how quickly and profoundly the character of some parts of…
Learn MoreRestore The First Chance Rule
The ‘First Chance’ rule – also known as the ‘Resident Labour Market Test’ – is an immigration safeguard that means UK workers have the first opportunity to apply for job openings before such vacancies are…
Learn MoreUk Population Rises By More Than 500,000 In A Year To Reach 65.1 Million
The ONS has today released the Annual Population Estimates for mid-2015. The UK population is now 65.1 million, an increase of 513,000 on the previous year. See the full ONS data here. The increase in the population was down to two factors, natural change (births minus deaths) and net migration. Of
Are Migrants An Economic Benefit To The Uk?
1. Overall, migrants in the UK have been, and continue to be, a net fiscal cost to the UK Exchequer. Only recent migrants from the EU14 have made a net positive fiscal contribution. Immigration has not been shown to have any significant impact, either positive or negative, on GDP per
The Vanishing Students From Outside The Eu
1. Much attention has been paid to the apparent failure of the government to reduce non-EU migration. However, it would seem that this is very largely due to the significant number of students who have remained in the UK, legally or otherwise. 2. Non-EU net migration has averaged 172,000 in
Ecj Ruling On Payment Of Child Benefits To Eu Citizens With No Right To Reside In The Uk
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) today (see June 14th 2016 BBC News article here) confirmed that the UK does not have to pay child benefit and child tax credits to citizens of other EU countries if they are not working and as a result have no right to reside in the
To Cope With Current Levels Of Immigration, The Uk Will Need To Build New Home Every Four Minutes
During last night’s ITV debate Nigel Farage claimed that we would have to build a home every four minutes, night and day in order to house new migrants and their families. On the ITV Ten O’Clock News that followed, Allegra Stratton, the Political Editor challenged Mr Farage’s figures, and said
70% Of Albanians Who Applied For Asylum Between 2008-2014 Are Still In The Uk
Various newspapers have today carried reports that two men have been charged with people smuggling after a boat carrying 18 Albanian nationals was rescued off the Kent coast. For context, below is data from the Home Office on the outcome of asylum applications lodged by Albanian nationals. In the past,