The Office for National Statistics has published new immigration data. In the year ending September 2017, net migration was down to 244 000, a similar level to in early 2014. EU migration has fallen in the last year, whereas non-EU migration has increased.
Although EU migration has decreased, more EU citizens are still coming to the UK than leaving. EU net migration has returned to a level last seen in 2012. There seems to be a significant decrease in the number of EU citizens coming to the UK ‘looking for work’. Although there have been suggestions that the fall in EU migration is due to Brexit, in reality the picture is far more complicated. There are a whole host of reasons that fewer EU citizens are migrating to the UK. One factor that must be considered is that stronger economic growth seen in the European Union has led many people to find work closer to home.
Studying is the second most common reason to come to the UK. Immigration for students stands at 163,000, reflecting a more than 17% increase from the previous year. Of those whose main purpose for long-term immigration was studying, almost 75% were non-EU citizens, with 53% of these individuals coming from China, the United States and India.
Gherson has over 29 years of experience in handling the immigration matters of both individuals and corporations. Should you wish to discuss any of your immigration matters please contact us.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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