Research

Impact of immigration on demand for homes in England
Summary 1. After the Covid crisis, net migration levels could well revert to the high levels witnessed over the past five years, or even surpass them, given the range of various additional uncapped routes being opened under the new Points Based System. If so, just over half of extra homes needed in

An Asylum System Overwhelmed and Abused
Summary 1. The asylum system is being overwhelmed following a rapid rise in the number of claims (most of which have been submitted by ‘clandestine’ entrants), as well as by growing costs, falling productivity, disintegrating enforcement, ballooning backlogs and significant (and, according to the government, “increas[ing]”) abuse. We estimate that, should
Foreign national offenders
There are just over 9,000 foreign national offenders (FNOs) in UK prisons – representing 160 nations of the world – making up about 11% of the total prison population of 82,200 (2019). About a third were convicted of violent or sexual offences, about a fifth for drug charges, and others

45,000 work permit cap needed in midst of rocketing redundancies
Summary 1. As unemployment rises, sensible policy measures to protect the well-being of UK people are vital. A cap on the central work permit route leading to settlement – set at 45,000 per year – is needed to safeguard UK workers and jobseekers from the very rapid increase in foreign competition that

150 more trades being opened to global recruitment as unemployment rises
Introduction 1. The government have announced that the qualifications required for foreign workers to come to the UK will be reduced from degree level to “A” level when their new immigration system is introduced on 1 January 2021. 2. Furthermore, there will be no limit on the numbers that employers can recruit

Updated projection of illegal Channel arrivals for 2020
1. The number of people that look set to arrive in the UK via illegal Channel crossing may be on course to approach 10,000 in 2020 should they continue at the rate seen since January. 2. The previous daily record of 235 arrivals on 6 August was vastly surpassed on
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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.

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.

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.