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- Demographics
In 2024, approximately 948,000 people migrated to the United Kingdom, with 517,000 people emigrating, resulting in a net migration figure of 431,000 people. Between 1964 and 1993, the number of people entering the UK and the number of people leaving were relatively balanced, with immigration accelerating significantly from 1994 onwards. Since 1999, net migration has been the main driver of UK population growth, with natural change (the difference between births and deaths) accounting for a progressively smaller demographic growth share.
The main issues
After World War Two, the British government encouraged immigration from the British Empire's colonies to the UK mainland to meet postwar labor demands. One of the most important groups, who migrated to the UK from the Caribbean between 1947 and 1971, became known as the 'Windrush Generation,' named after one of the first ships arriving in the UK. In more recent years, immigration from the European Union, particularly after the EU's 2004 enlargement, further added to the levels of immigration to the UK. The percentage of British people who saw immigration as an important issue facing the country also rose during this period, with a peak of 71 percent recorded in 2015.
High levels of anxiety about immigration in 2015 were undoubtedly influenced by the European Migrant Crisis, which was at its height in that year. These concerns would also play an influential role in the Brexit referendum the following year, which saw the UK crash out of the European Union, with freedom of movement being one of the main casualties. Since the end of 2018, the UK has also witnessed a marked increase in the number of people trying to reach the country by crossing the English channel from France, reaching a peak of almost 46,000 people crossing in 2022. Preventing or discouraging these crossings was one of the five pledges Rishi Sunak made to the UK electorate at the start of 2023. The controversial plan to relocate some asylum seekers to Rwanda was one of the main polices introduced to reduce net migration. Despite traditionally being the political party most trusted to handle this issue, however, the Conservatives gradually lost ground to the Labour Party on this topic and went on to lose the 2024 general election.
Non-British population of the UK
As of 2021, there were approximately 896,000 Indian nationals living in the UK, the most of any non-UK nationality. Prior to 2021, Polish nationals were the most common non-UK nationality. Between 2008 and 2017 the Polish population of the UK more than doubled from 502,000 to over 1.02 million, with the Brexit vote likely a factor in the overall decline since 2017. Furthermore, of the 4.9 million people who had applied for the UK's EU settlement scheme, over were 1.12 million were Polish, while 1.13 million were Romanian. The EU settlement scheme is intended to allow EU nationals to remain in the UK, an issue reciprocated by the EU regarding the status of migrants in the UK living in EU member states.
There is also an increasing number of study visas granted in the UK, reaching a peak of around 623,700 in 2022, before falling to around 420,000 in 2024, with Chinese students being the most numerous nationality to apply in that time period. When it comes to work visas, the most common nationality granted this type of visa was also Indian nationals, at over 66,000 in 2024.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Statista Research Department, Jun 13, 2025
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Key insights
- Number of immigrants entering the UK
- 1.18m
Detailed statistics
Migration figures in the UK 1991-2024
- Number of emigrants leaving the UK
- 508,000
Detailed statistics
Migration figures in the UK 1991-2024
- GB adults who see immigration as an important issue
- 8%
Detailed statistics
Percentage of people who see immigration as an important issue Britain 2012-2025
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Overview
8
- Basic Statistic Long-term migration figures in the UK 1964-2024
- Basic Statistic Non UK-born population of the UK 2008-2021
- Basic Statistic Non-British population of the UK 2021, by nationality
- Basic Statistic Employment rate of UK and non-UK born adults in the UK 2000-2025
- Basic Statistic Percentage of people who see immigration as an important issue Britain 2012-2025
- Basic Statistic Best political party for handling immigration poll UK 2020-2025
- Basic Statistic Number of EU nationals in the UK 2020
- Basic Statistic Number of UK citizens living in EU countries 2019
Overview
- Basic Statistic Long-term migration figures in the UK 1964-2024
Long-term migration figures in the UK 1964-2024
Long-term migration figures in the United Kingdom from 1964 to 2024 (in 1,000s)
- Basic Statistic Non UK-born population of the UK 2008-2021
Non UK-born population of the UK 2008-2021
Non UK-born population of the United Kingdom from 2008 to 2021 (in 1,000s)
- Basic Statistic Non-British population of the UK 2021, by nationality
Non-British population of the UK 2021, by nationality
Non-British population of the United Kingdom in 2020/21, by nationality (in 1,000s)
- Basic Statistic Employment rate of UK and non-UK born adults in the UK 2000-2025
Employment rate of UK and non-UK born adults in the UK 2000-2025
Employment rate of UK and non-UK born adults in the United Kingdom from 1st quarter 2000 to 1st quarter 2025
- Basic Statistic Percentage of people who see immigration as an important issue Britain 2012-2025
Percentage of people who see immigration as an important issue Britain 2012-2025
Percentage of people who think that immigration is one of the most important issues facing the United Kingdom (Q1 2012 to Q2 2025)
- Basic Statistic Best political party for handling immigration poll UK 2020-2025
Best political party for handling immigration poll UK 2020-2025
Which political party is best at handling asylum and immigration according to adults in Great Britain from January 2020 to April 2025
- Basic Statistic Number of EU nationals in the UK 2020
Number of EU nationals in the UK 2020
Estimated number of European Union nationals resident in the United Kingdom from 2018/19 to 2019/20, by member state (in 1,000s)
- Basic Statistic Number of UK citizens living in EU countries 2019
Number of UK citizens living in EU countries 2019
Estimated number of British citizens living in the European Union in 2019, by member state
Migration Figures
7
- Basic Statistic Migration figures in the UK 1991-2024
- Basic Statistic Immigration figures in the UK 1991-2024, by citizenship
- Basic Statistic Emigration figures in the UK 1991-2024, by citizenship
- Basic Statistic Net migration in the UK 1991-2024, by citizenship
- Basic Statistic Number of people crossing the Channel in small boats UK 2018-2024
- Basic Statistic Number of migrants to the United States from Great Britain 1820-1957
- Basic Statistic Windrush scandal: last country of residence of passengers on the first ship 1948
Migration Figures
- Basic Statistic Migration figures in the UK 1991-2024
Migration figures in the UK 1991-2024
Migration figures in the United Kingdom from 4th quarter 1991 to 4th quarter 2024 (in 1,000s)
- Basic Statistic Immigration figures in the UK 1991-2024, by citizenship
Immigration figures in the UK 1991-2024, by citizenship
Number of immigrants entering the United Kingdom from 4th quarter 1991 to 4th quarter 2024, by citizenship (in 1,000s)
- Basic Statistic Emigration figures in the UK 1991-2024, by citizenship
Emigration figures in the UK 1991-2024, by citizenship
Number of emigrants leaving the United Kingdom from 4th quarter 1991 to 4th quarter 2024, by citizenship (in 1,000s)
- Basic Statistic Net migration in the UK 1991-2024, by citizenship
Net migration in the UK 1991-2024, by citizenship
Net migration figures of the United Kingdom from 4th quarter 1991 to 4th quarter 2024, by citizenship (in 1,000s)
- Basic Statistic Number of people crossing the Channel in small boats UK 2018-2024
Number of people crossing the Channel in small boats UK 2018-2024
Number of people detected arriving or heading to the United Kingdom in small boats from 2018 to 2024
- Basic Statistic Number of migrants to the United States from Great Britain 1820-1957
Number of migrants to the United States from Great Britain 1820-1957
Number of migrants from Great Britain documented in United States between 1820 and 1957
- Basic Statistic Windrush scandal: last country of residence of passengers on the first ship 1948
Windrush scandal: last country of residence of passengers on the first ship 1948
Last country of residence given by passengers disembarking at London on the HMT Empire Windrush on June 21,1948
Nationality
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- Premium Statistic Polish nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
- Premium Statistic Romanian nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
- Premium Statistic Indian nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
- Premium Statistic Irish nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
- Premium Statistic Italian nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
- Premium Statistic Pakistani nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
- Premium Statistic Spanish population of the UK 2008-2021
- Premium Statistic French nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
- Premium Statistic German nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
- Premium Statistic American nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
- Premium Statistic Bangladeshi nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
- Premium Statistic Chinese nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
- Premium Statistic Nigerian nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
- Premium Statistic South African nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Nationality
- Premium Statistic Polish nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Polish nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Number of Polish nationals resident in the United Kingdom from 2008 to 2021 (in 1,000s)
- Premium Statistic Romanian nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Romanian nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Number of Romanian nationals resident in the United Kingdom from 2008 to 2021 (in 1,000s)
- Premium Statistic Indian nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Indian nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Number of Indian nationals resident in the United Kingdom from 2008 to 2021 (in 1,000s)
- Premium Statistic Irish nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Irish nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Number of Irish nationals resident in the United Kingdom from 2008 to 2021 (in 1,000s)
- Premium Statistic Italian nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Italian nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Number of Italian nationals resident in the United Kingdom from 2008 to 2021 (in 1,000s)
- Premium Statistic Pakistani nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Pakistani nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Number of Pakistani nationals resident in the United Kingdom from 2008 to 2021 (in 1,000s)
- Premium Statistic Spanish population of the UK 2008-2021
Spanish population of the UK 2008-2021
Number of Spanish nationals resident in the United Kingdom from 2008 to 2021 (in 1,000s)
- Premium Statistic French nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
French nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Number of French nationals resident in the United Kingdom from 2008 to 2021 (in 1,000s)
- Premium Statistic German nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
German nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Number of German nationals resident in the United Kingdom from 2008 to 2021 (in 1,000s)
- Premium Statistic American nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
American nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Number of American nationals resident in the United Kingdom from 2008 to 2021 (in 1,000s)
- Premium Statistic Bangladeshi nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Bangladeshi nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Number of Bangladeshi nationals resident in the United Kingdom from 2008 to 2021 (in 1,000s)
- Premium Statistic Chinese nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Chinese nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Number of Chinese nationals resident in the United Kingdom from 2008 to 2021 (in 1,000s)
- Premium Statistic Nigerian nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Nigerian nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Number of Nigerian nationals resident in the United Kingdom from 2008 to 2021 (in 1,000s)
- Premium Statistic South African nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
South African nationals population of the UK 2008-2021
Number of South African nationals resident in the United Kingdom from 2008 to 2021 (in 1,000s)
Visas & Asylum
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- Premium Statistic Number of entry visas granted in the UK 2011-2024
- Premium Statistic Number of work visas granted in the UK 2011-2024
- Basic Statistic Number of study visas granted in the UK 2011-2024
- Premium Statistic Number of work visas granted in the UK 2024, by nationality
- Premium Statistic Number of study visas granted in the UK 2024, by nationality
- Premium Statistic Number of asylum applications in the UK 2010-2024
- Premium Statistic Number of asylum applications in the UK 2024, by nationality
- Premium Statistic Number of asylum grants and refusals in the UK 2010-2024
Visas & Asylum
- Premium Statistic Number of entry visas granted in the UK 2011-2024
Number of entry visas granted in the UK 2011-2024
Number of entry clearance visas granted in the United Kingdom from 2011 to 2024 (in millions)
- Premium Statistic Number of work visas granted in the UK 2011-2024
Number of work visas granted in the UK 2011-2024
Number of work visas granted in the United Kingdom from 2011 to 2024 (in 1,000s)
- Basic Statistic Number of study visas granted in the UK 2011-2024
Number of study visas granted in the UK 2011-2024
Number of study visas granted in the United Kingdom from 2011 to 2024 (in 1,000s)
- Premium Statistic Number of work visas granted in the UK 2024, by nationality
Number of work visas granted in the UK 2024, by nationality
Number of work visas granted in the United Kingdom in 2024, by leading nationalities
- Premium Statistic Number of study visas granted in the UK 2024, by nationality
Number of study visas granted in the UK 2024, by nationality
Number of study visas granted in the United Kingdom in 2024, by leading nationalities
- Premium Statistic Number of asylum applications in the UK 2010-2024
Number of asylum applications in the UK 2010-2024
Number of asylum applications made in the United Kingdom from 2010 to 2024 (in 1,000s)
- Premium Statistic Number of asylum applications in the UK 2024, by nationality
Number of asylum applications in the UK 2024, by nationality
Number of asylum applications in the United Kingdom in 2024, by leading nationalities
- Premium Statistic Number of asylum grants and refusals in the UK 2010-2024
Number of asylum grants and refusals in the UK 2010-2024
Number of asylum grants and refusals in the United Kingdom from 2010 to 2024
Migration in Europe
5
- Premium Statistic Net migration figures in Europe 2024, by country
- Basic Statistic Number of illegal border crossings in the EU 2023, by route
- Basic Statistic Number of asylum applications in the European Union 2023, by country of origin
- Premium Statistic Number of asylum applications in the EU 2013-2023
- Basic Statistic Number of illegal stays detected in the EU 2009-2022
Migration in Europe
- Premium Statistic Net migration figures in Europe 2024, by country
Net migration figures in Europe 2024, by country
Estimated net migration figures in Europe in 2024, by country
- Basic Statistic Number of illegal border crossings in the EU 2023, by route
Number of illegal border crossings in the EU 2023, by route
Number of illegal border-crossings between border-crossing points to the European Union in 2023, by route
- Basic Statistic Number of asylum applications in the European Union 2023, by country of origin
Number of asylum applications in the European Union 2023, by country of origin
Number of asylum applications in the European Union in 2023, by country of origin
- Premium Statistic Number of asylum applications in the EU 2013-2023
Number of asylum applications in the EU 2013-2023
Number of applications for asylum in the European Union from 2013 to 2023 (in 1,000s)
- Basic Statistic Number of illegal stays detected in the EU 2009-2022
Number of illegal stays detected in the EU 2009-2022
Number of illegal stays detected in the European Union from 2009 to 2022 (in 1,000s)
