Official figures show an estimated 201,000 EU nationals moved to the UK with an intention to stay 12 months or more in 2018.
Around 127,000 EU citizens emigrated – giving a net figure of 74,000.
In the year to June 2016, when the Brexit referendum was held, net long-term EU migration was at 189,000.
However, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said non-EU long-term immigration has gradually increased over the last five years to similar levels seen in 2011.
Overall net international migration was estimated at 258,000 last year – down from 285,000 in 2017. Well above the Government’s target level of under 100,000.
Jay Lindop, director of the ONS centre for international migration, said:
“Our analysis of the available data suggests that long-term net migration, immigration and emigration figures have remained broadly stable since the end of 2016.”
She added:
“Long-term immigration to the UK for work has fallen, mainly driven by the decline in EU arrivals… (though) we are also seeing the number of skilled work visas for non-EU citizens increasing.”
EU net migration has decreased since mid-2016 following a period of increase, while non-EU net migration has gradually been increasing since 2013, standing at an estimated 232,000 last year, the ONS report said.
It added: “However, both EU and non-EU citizens continue to add to the population, while more British citizens leave long-term than return.”
The latest figures prompted fresh calls for the Tories to abandon a controversial objective of reducing net migration to the tens of thousands.
What does this mean?
The number of immigrants from countries within the European Union hoping to stay for more than 12 months has gone down.
The number of immigrants from countries outside the European Union hoping to stay and work for more than 12 months has gone up.
When taking into account the number of UK citizens leaving the country permanently, the number of people in the UK is still growing.
Why the decrease in EU migration?
Despite Theresa May stating that EU migrants who come to Britain during the Brexit transition will have the right to settle permanently, uncertainty will likely have played a role.
Why the increase in non-EU migration?
Despite the Brexit turmoil, the United Kingdom still remains an attractive destination for economic migrants.
Many worry that it will be even harder to enter and work in the country after Brexit, hence the increase.
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HeadlineImmigration to the UK from the European Union has fallen to the lowest level in five years
Short HeadlineMigration from the EU to the UK lowest in fiver years
StandfirstThe Office of National Statistics has found EU migration to the UK is at its lowest in five years
The lowest inflow from the EU since 2013
Official figures show an estimated 201,000 EU nationals moved to the UK with an intention to stay 12 months or more in 2018.
Around 127,000 EU citizens emigrated – giving a net figure of 74,000.
In the year to June 2016, when the Brexit referendum was held, net long-term EU migration was at 189,000.
However, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said non-EU long-term immigration has gradually increased over the last five years to similar levels seen in 2011.
Overall net international migration was estimated at 258,000 last year – down from 285,000 in 2017. Well above the Government’s target level of under 100,000.
Jay Lindop, director of the ONS centre for international migration, said:
“Our analysis of the available data suggests that long-term net migration, immigration and emigration figures have remained broadly stable since the end of 2016.”
She added:
“Long-term immigration to the UK for work has fallen, mainly driven by the decline in EU arrivals… (though) we are also seeing the number of skilled work visas for non-EU citizens increasing.”
EU net migration has decreased since mid-2016 following a period of increase, while non-EU net migration has gradually been increasing since 2013, standing at an estimated 232,000 last year, the ONS report said.
It added: “However, both EU and non-EU citizens continue to add to the population, while more British citizens leave long-term than return.”
The latest figures prompted fresh calls for the Tories to abandon a controversial objective of reducing net migration to the tens of thousands.
What does this mean?
The number of immigrants from countries within the European Union hoping to stay for more than 12 months has gone down.
The number of immigrants from countries outside the European Union hoping to stay and work for more than 12 months has gone up.
When taking into account the number of UK citizens leaving the country permanently, the number of people in the UK is still growing.
Why the decrease in EU migration?
Despite Theresa May stating that EU migrants who come to Britain during the Brexit transition will have the right to settle permanently, uncertainty will likely have played a role.
Why the increase in non-EU migration?
Despite the Brexit turmoil, the United Kingdom still remains an attractive destination for economic migrants.
Many worry that it will be even harder to enter and work in the country after Brexit, hence the increase.
