UK Net Migration Predicted to Drop to Pre-Brexit Levels, Figures Show
New data from British Future suggests that net migration to the UK will likely fall to pre-Brexit levels, reaching approximately 300,000 per year. This decline is attributed to an increase in emigration by British nationals and more accurate counting of migrants.
However, a recent survey conducted by Ipsos/British Future found that many Britons remain unaware of this downward trend. Despite net migration halving last year, only 16% of the public expects it to decrease further, while over 38% anticipate an increase in migration. The majority – 56% – believes immigration increased last year.
The survey also revealed that most people think government proposals aimed at restricting immigration are too restrictive. Half of respondents believe migrants working in graduate-level jobs should qualify for settlement within five years or less, and 53% support this threshold for mid-skilled workers.
Critics argue that the current approach is exacerbating public dissatisfaction with immigration policy, with 73% of those dissatisfied citing the government's failure to address migrant channel crossings as their primary concern. British Future director Sunder Katwala warns that constant crisis messaging is reinforcing the perception that asylum and immigration are out of control.
The Home Office will face an additional £1.4 billion in spending due to a surge in small boat arrivals and asylum seekers, further straining its resources.
New data from British Future suggests that net migration to the UK will likely fall to pre-Brexit levels, reaching approximately 300,000 per year. This decline is attributed to an increase in emigration by British nationals and more accurate counting of migrants.
However, a recent survey conducted by Ipsos/British Future found that many Britons remain unaware of this downward trend. Despite net migration halving last year, only 16% of the public expects it to decrease further, while over 38% anticipate an increase in migration. The majority – 56% – believes immigration increased last year.
The survey also revealed that most people think government proposals aimed at restricting immigration are too restrictive. Half of respondents believe migrants working in graduate-level jobs should qualify for settlement within five years or less, and 53% support this threshold for mid-skilled workers.
Critics argue that the current approach is exacerbating public dissatisfaction with immigration policy, with 73% of those dissatisfied citing the government's failure to address migrant channel crossings as their primary concern. British Future director Sunder Katwala warns that constant crisis messaging is reinforcing the perception that asylum and immigration are out of control.
The Home Office will face an additional £1.4 billion in spending due to a surge in small boat arrivals and asylum seekers, further straining its resources.
. I mean, it's not like the gov't's been super transparent about their plans for migrants. And when you look at how many people are still dissatisfied with immigration policy (73% 
), it's clear that the current approach is just not resonating with anyone.
. I get why some ppl might feel like migrants should be able to work and live in the country sooner, but maybe we need a bit more nuance here? And let's not forget that the gov't's got its hands full with asylum seekers and small boat arrivals - £1.4 billion is no joke 
.
. We need to stop playing the "migrant crisis" card and start having a more informed conversation about immigration policy 
.
.
but on the other hand, it's wild that 56% of people think immigration increased last year lol what even is that? 
and I feel like the government could be doing more to address public concerns about migrant channel crossings 
anyway, glad we're getting an accurate count now... maybe this will put some minds at ease. but seriously, 300k per year is still a lot of people, you know? and what's up with the government expecting everyone to be super strict on immigration when they're already dealing with boat arrivals and asylum seekers? it's like they think we can just magically solve all our problems overnight 
but honestly it's all about the perception, right? 73% of people dissatisfied with immigration policy think the gov't is failing to address migrant channel crossings... like what even is that? 
also, I feel like we're still stuck in this limbo where net migration is going down, but still lots of ppl are worried about it. 
It's all so complicated...
i feel like we need more info about who's coming and going tho 
what do u guys think on this btw? 
that's wild. some ppl even wanna give settlement after like 5 yrs or less 4 graduate level jobs 
what do u think tho?
! The gov's got some probs cuz most ppl dont no about dis trend 
, while 53% iz good w/ dat 4 mid-skilled workers too 
. If more Brits knew the truth, maybe they'd chill out a bit 
.
. I mean, who decides what's good for these migrant workers anyway? 
It's like we're pitting them against each other - Brits vs immigrants 
. We should be welcoming new talent and ideas, right? 
. its all about the emigration by british nationals tho, that makes sence. 300k is still a lot tho, i guess its just a matter of time before we see more changes in immigration policy 
. Whats with ppl thinking gov proposals r too restrictive tho? dont they think thats the point lol? anyway, its all about finding a balance, im not sure what the answer is yet 