Net migration hit record in 2023, reveals data

NET migration to Britain hit a record of more than 900,000 in 2023, much higher than original estimates, although tougher visa rules have started to reduce the number of arrivals, official data showed.

In the year ending June 2024, most non-EU immigrants coming to the UK for work (116,000) or study (127,000) were from India, data from the Office for National Statistics on Thursday (28) showed.

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The top five non-EU nationalities for long-term immigration to the UK were: Indians (240,000), Nigerians (120,000), Pakistanis (101,000), Chinese (78,000), and Zimbabweans (36,000) during the period.

Immigration is a big political issue in the country, where voters worry that already stretched public services cannot cope with such large numbers arriving, but sectors such as healthcare say they cannot function without foreign workers.

Data revealed a net migration of 906,000 for the year to the end of June 2023, revised up from the previous estimate of 740,000, in what the ONS described as "unprecedented levels" since 2021.

Numbers did fall 20 per cent from the record high to 728,000 for the year to the end of June 2024, the ONS said, driven by declining numbers of dependants coming with those on study visas after the rules were changed.

The big jump to 2023 numbers was attributed to more available data, more information on Ukraine visas and improvements to how it estimates migration, the ONS said.

Seema Malhotra

Migration minister Seema Malhotra said the government was committed to "ensure those who abuse our immigration system face the strongest possible consequences".

"No longer will employers be able to flout the rules with little consequence or exploit international workers for costs they were always supposed to pay if they choose not to recruit domestically," she added.

Tories won a landslide under the leadership of Boris Johnson at the 2019 election, largely on a promise to bring net migration numbers down.

The party repeatedly promised that leaving the European Union, which ended the free movement of people from member states, would allow the UK to "take back control" of its borders.

But regular migration has soared since Britain formally left the EU in January 2020. In 2021, net migration was 488,000.

Responding to the latest numbers, shadow home secretary Chris Philp MP said, "Today’s figures confirm what we’ve been warning about: immigration remains far too high, and Labour was wrong to suspend further restrictions on family visas.

"Such high numbers place mounting pressure on housing, public services, and damage social cohesion, causing a real impact felt by communities across the UK."

The Tory lawmaker stressed the urgency of implementing stricter border controls, reducing immigration numbers, and prioritising the needs of British workers and families.

The Labour government warned on Thursday that employers who flout visa rules or fail to pay the minimum wage could face lengthy bars from hiring foreign workers.

Measures introduced through the government's Employment Rights Bill -– which is currently making its way through parliament -– would see the length of time companies can be sanctioned double to two years.

Kemi Badenoch delivers a speech on immigration on November 27, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Peter Nicholls/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the number of undocumented migrants arriving in the UK after crossing the Channel on dangerous rudimentary vessels stands at over 33,500, up around 18 per cent compared to the same period in 2023. Numbers are down on 2022.

High levels of legal migration in 2016 was one of the driving forces behind Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

While post-Brexit changes to visas saw a sharp drop in the number of European Union migrants to Britain, new work visa rules led to a surge in immigration from India, Nigeria and Pakistan, often to fill health and social care vacancies.

Badenoch admits mistakes on immigration

Ahead of the release of the ONS data, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch admitted her party "got it wrong" on immigration, acknowledging the strain it has placed on public services and the challenges of integrating newcomers.

Badenoch outlined a new approach to immigration, reaffirming the Tories' commitment to a "strict numerical cap" on migration if they win the next election. However, she stopped short of specifying what that cap would be.

Labour criticised the Tories for allowing immigration to "spiral out of control" during their time in office.

At a press conference, Badenoch took responsibility, saying, "As the new leader, it is right that I accept responsibility and say truthfully, we got it wrong."

She promised a comprehensive review of policies affecting migration, including the role of the European Convention on Human Rights, the Human Rights Act, and rules governing migrants’ access to benefits.

While current policies restrict welfare access for most visa holders and asylum seekers, Badenoch indicated further tightening could be on the table.

Her proposed changes also include stricter criteria for obtaining British passports and a "zero tolerance" policy for foreign criminals remaining in the UK.

Badenoch also dismissed speculation about reviving the controversial Rwanda scheme, which Labour scrapped, but emphasised the need for a "deterrent" to curb illegal migration.

She warned that the UK "cannot sustain the numbers we have seen," adding, "Immigration is at a pace too fast to maintain public services and too rapid for meaningful integration."

She cautioned against the erosion of shared national identity, saying, "Without a shared national identity, our country will suffer. It doesn’t matter if you are for or against immigration—unchecked numbers fray the ties that bind us together."

(with inputs from agencies)