Net migration to the UK rises slightly to 283,000 but the number of EU nationals coming to Britain falls again to the lowest level since 2009
- New data shows 627,000 people moved to Britain in the year to September 2018
- In the same year, 345,000 people moved out of the UK abroad, the figures reveal
- Arrivals from outside the EU are running at the highest level since 2004
- But European nationals are coming in lower numbers, the lowest since 2009
Net immigration to the UK has risen slightly to 283,000 people, new official statistics revealed today.
In the 12 months to the end of September 2018, there were 627,000 people who moved to live in the UK.
At the same time, 345,000 moved out of the country permanently.
The Office for National Statistics figures show the number of arrivals from outside the EU is at 261,000, the highest level since 2004.
But it was offset by a continued fall in arrivals from the European Union since the Brexit referendum. Arrivals from Europe are at 57,000, the lowest level since 2009.
Net immigration to the UK has risen slightly to 283,000 people, new official statistics revealed today (pictured)
Jay Lindop, Director of the Centre for International Migration, Office for National Statistics, said: ‘Decisions to migrate are complex and a person’s decision to move to or from the UK will always be influenced by a range of factors, including work, study and family reasons.
‘Different patterns for EU and non-EU migration have emerged since mid-2016, when the EU referendum vote took place.
‘Due to increasing numbers arriving for work and study, non-EU net migration is now at the highest level since 2004.
‘In contrast, EU net migration, while still adding to the population as a whole, has fallen to a level last seen in 2009.
‘We are also now seeing more EU8 citizens – those from Central and Eastern European countries, for example Poland – leaving the UK than arriving.’
The number of EU citizens from central and eastern Europe living in the UK is continuing to fall overall – but the number of western Europeans is still going up.
Overall 57,000 more EU nationals lived in the UK in September 2018 than 12 months previously. The rate of annual increase was almost 200,000 in June 2016.
The Office for National Statistics figures show the number of arrivals from outside the EU is at the highest level since 2004. But it was offset by a continued fall in arrivals from the European Union since the Brexit referendum. Arrivals from Europe are at the lowest level since 2009