Brexit impact. Migration to UK rises

Growing uncertainty over Brexit has had a number of implications across the country. The Office of National Statistics has Figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that there was an increase of 261,000 non-EU citizens who came to the UK when compared to those who left in the year ending September 2018. This is the highest level of net migration over the last 15 years and has grown since the referendum vote in 2016. 

 

In comparison, the net migration of EU nationals has fallen by 70% since 2016 which outlines the impact of the Brexit vote. Madeleine Sumption, director of Migration Observatory says "Britain is not as attractive to EU migrants as it was a couple of years ago. That may be because of Brexit-related political uncertainty, the falling value of the pound making UK wages less attractive, or simply the fact that job opportunities have improved in other EU countries."

 

Overall the net migration figure amounted to 283,000 citizens. The government had assured over a decade ago that they would reduce this number to 'tens of thousands'. This was supposed to be heavily supported during Theresa May's time at Downing Street however this target has never been met.

 

In December 2018, the prime minister said the government was sticking to its longstanding ambition to bring net migration down. Instead, the number has risen for non-EU citizens by almost 25% when compared to the previous year. 

 

Caroline Nokes, Immigration minister states that the government is committed to controlled and sustainable immigration. "As we leave the EU, our new immigration system will give us full control over who comes here for the first time in decades, while enabling employers to have access to the skills they need from around the world."

 

E&K Solicitors

Rusholme