Net migration to the UK dips to 230,000 a year

Net migration is at the lowest level for three years after tumbling in the wake of the EU referendum – but it is still running at 230,000 annually.

Official show 230,000 more people came to the UK than left in the year to June – down from 246,000 in the year to March.

Long-term immigration was 572,000, while emigration was 342,000 over the period, giving an overall figure that is the lowest since 2014.

The headline figure is down 106,000 compared to the year ending in June 2016, when the historic referendum took place, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). 

Latest ONS figures show immigration was 572,000 in the year to June, while emigration was 342,000, giving an overall level of 230,000 that is the lowest since 2014

Nicola White, ONS Head of International Migration Statistics, said: ‘Overall, more people are still coming to live in the UK than are leaving and therefore net migration is adding to the UK population.

‘The first full year of data since the EU referendum vote in 2016 shows a decrease in the number of people coming to live in the UK and an increase in the number leaving, resulting in a fall in net migration of 106,000. Over three-quarters of the fall in net migration was accounted for by EU citizens.

‘The decline follows historically high levels of immigration and it is too early to say whether this represents a long-term trend.

‘The number of people immigrating for a definite job has remained stable but there has been a 43 per cent decrease in the number of people immigrating to look for work over the last year, especially for EU citizens.

‘These changes suggest that Brexit is likely to be a factor in people’s decision to move to or from the UK – but decisions to migrate are complex and other factors are also going to be influencing the figures.’

Theresa May, pictured on a visit to Iraq yesterday, has made ending free movement a red line in Brexit negotiations

Theresa May, pictured on a visit to Iraq yesterday, has made ending free movement a red line in Brexit negotiations

 

 

 



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