Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

South Asians among migrants most likely to have religious affiliation

Arrivals from Bangladesh top the list with nearly 95 per cent of them identifying with a religion

South Asians among migrants most likely to have religious affiliation

MIGRANTS from Bangladesh are more likely to report a religious affiliation than any other group living in England and Wales, according official figures.

Analysis of the 2021 Census data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that 94.9 per cent migrants from the south Asian country reported a religious affiliation. They were followed by those who came from Somalia (94.8 per cent) and Pakistan (94.8 per cent).

More broadly, the top 10 countries of birth with the highest percentage of residents with a religious affiliation were from Africa or the Middle East and Asia.

South Asia accounted for four out of top six countries migrants from where identified themselves with a religion.

Pakistan was in the third position with 94.8 per cent of migrants from it reporting a religious affiliation. They were followed by Eritrea (94.7 per cent), Sri Lanka (94.2 per cent) and India (93.8 per cent).

The figures compare with a little more than half (56.8 per cent) of all usual residents of England and Wales having identified themselves with a religion.

On the contrary, Chinese (18.9 per cent) and Japanese (32 per cent) migrants reported the lowest proportion of religious affiliation.

The religion question was voluntary and the proportion of migrants from the top 60 countries of birth who chose to not answer varied from 2.7 per cent to 12.3 per cent, the ONS said.

Overall, six per cent of all residents in England and Wales did not answer the question.

According to the data, residents born outside European Union (EU) countries were more likely to report a UK-only identity than EU-born residents, though this difference was smaller for arrivals from 2011 onwards, where reporting a UK-only identity is less common.

The analysis comes months after data revealed that net 606,000 migrants arrived in Britain in 2022 with a large number of them coming from outside the EU on student and work visas.

Migrants have been contributing to the UK’s economy, immigration experts have said, pointing out how education fees from overseas students are financially supporting British universities.

Among all arrivals, Bangladesh-born residents had the lowest English proficiency, with only 74 per cent of them reporting high levels of proficiency. On the other hand, close to 90 per cent of migrants born in India and about 82 per cent of the arrivals from Pakistan fell in this category.

The census results also showed that non-UK residents who arrived most recently are the least proficient in English language.

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less