Net Migration into the UK Increases

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that approximately half a million immigrants arrived in the UK last year.

Emigration is the number of people leaving the country. Immigration is the number of people coming to the country. Migration is the difference. The UK currently has more people entering the country than leaving.

The BBC reported that net migration to the UK increased to 182,000 in the year to June, up from 167,000 in the previous 12 months. Prime Minister David Cameron wants to get this figure below 100,000 before the 2015 election.

The ONS said that less people are coming to the UK from outside the EU, but more people were coming to the UK from inside the EU. They claim this is due to employment reasons.

David Cameron last month announced new measures to restrict the right to benefits of EU migrants.

Drastic actions need to be taken if he is to succeed in lowering these numbers before the elections in 2015.  He said "Net migration has fallen by nearly a third since its peak in 2010 and across government we are working hard to bring it down further."

The figures come in the midst of worries that Britain will face an increase in eastern European immigration when access restrictions to the UK labour market for Romanians and Bulgarians are lifted in the New Year.

To speak to an immigration solicitor please call our team in Manchester on 0161 492 0300 and we will get back to you ASAP.

Crumpsall Solicitors

Manchester