Research
Resettlement of Afghan citizens to the UK
Summary 1. The planned resettlement to the UK of between 20,000 and 30,000 Afghan citizens is a major event, comparable in scale to 20,000-30,000 Ugandan Asians taken in by Britain in 1972. (Syrian refugee resettlement…
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Spending and staffing: UK immigration and asylum system
1. Gross expenditure on the UK’s immigration and asylum system is now costing around £1 billion more than in 2015/16. Total spending on operations for the five departments carrying out these Home Office functions was £3.4…
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Secure the UK border to save lives
Written evidence on the government’s asylum proposals 1. Along with a clear majority of the British public – see point 1(iv) below – we support proposals to deter illegal immigration, prevent asylum abuse and remove…
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Does international maritime law forbid turning back the boats?
1. The Home Secretary has reportedly instructed the Border Force to turn away migrant boats from British waters. The question of whether this is legal often brings in discussion of the interpretation of maritime law.…
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From which parts of the world have migrants come?
Summary 1. The foreign-born population of the UK was estimated to be 9.2 million in 2019/20 – 90% of whom were residing in England. Three to four million (38%) were born in the European Union (EU) and…
Learn MoreImmigration and population change in the UK’s towns and cities
Summary 1. This paper should be read alongside our previous research (‘Impact of immigration in changing the UK population’, issued on 27 July 2021[1]). That paper found that the foreign-born population of the UK had…
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Impact of immigration in changing the UK population
Summary 1. The UK is already a crowded country yet our population is growing rapidly and is also being significantly changed by immigration at a much faster rate than has been generally understood. Indeed, 90%…
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Scotland and Immigration
Summary 1. The population of Scotland has been increasing for the last 20 years and is approaching 5.5 million. Meanwhile the foreign-born share and the proportion of the population made up of other ethnicities have…
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Risks of reviving the defective post-study work route
Summary 1. Until this year, non-EU students (who account for seven in ten overseas students in higher education[1]) have been restricted to a job search of up to six months after graduation before switching into…
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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.