Research

Migration Watch approaches our research output carefully and diligently; while we have a proven track record of getting it right on the issue, we know how sensitive the topic is and ensure we provide neutral, non-partisan and numbers-based analysis. On that basis, we source our numbers from officially published statistics reports, most usually the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the National Audit Office (NAO), the Home Office (HO), and other arms of His Majesty’s Government. 
 
Where needed, we make projections guided by statistical inference and modelling guided by one of our co-founders, Dr David Coleman, Emeritus Professor of Demographics at the University of Oxford. We place the highest possible premium on numbers-based analysis, and ensure and encourage a calm and level-headed approach to the facts concerning this paramount issue. 

Non-UK entry grants under the post-Brexit immigration system

Summary 1. The government promised that its post-Brexit immigration system would reduce overall immigration levels and deliver ‘firmer’ border control. Yet the opposite has happened, as we show below with analysis of Home Office (HO) data. In 2021, there were over 800,000 longer-term entry grants to non-UK nationals for work, study, family and resettlement. Meanwhile, illegal

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Potential impact of asylum arrangements with Rwanda

Summary 1. More than 75,600 people have reportedly arrived without prior permission by boat and lorry since 1 January 2018. Entries by boat in 2022 so far are triple the number reported by this point in 2021.[1] The UK has now agreed asylum arrangements with Rwanda which mean that those making

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Gender and age of illegal boat crossers

1. Over 41,300 people have come to the UK illicitly in boats since the start of 2018. 16,500 of these came in the period January 2018 and to the end of June 2021.[1] Data from a Freedom of Information release show that nearly 90% of those crossing during this period were male.[2] 2.

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Small boat arrivals in possession of a passport

1. Just 2% of the thousands who have made their way to the UK illegally in small boats via the English Channel since 2018 were recorded as being in possession of a passport. 2. New freedom of information data released by the Home Office showed that just 317 people were recorded as

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Illegal clandestine arrivals by lorry

1. The total number of migrants entering the UK clandestinely each year is not known. However, our analysis suggests that there have been at least 320,000 attempts to come to the UK without prior permission from Northern France since 2014. This number does not include attempted but unsuccessful attempts to

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Explore Further

Migration Watch UK Media photo of a crowd overlooking the Thames.

Media

Watch our most recent broadcast appearances, interviews, and briefings, where we comment on immigration, population growth, and related policy issues. These videos offer timely, expert insight and considered responses to current developments in the public and political debate.

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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.

Migration Watch Statistics

Statistics

Migration Watch UK monitors and analyses official immigration and population statistics. We chart trends, report key developments, and provide clear, accessible insights to help understand migration and its impact on the UK.