Number of migrants staying in UK down by 34%

The Home Secretary scored big in her battle against mass immigration as the number of people coming and staying in the UK is down

15:48 04 March 2013

Prime Minister David Cameron, who has previously pledged to reduce net migration from non-EU countries together with the Home Secretary,is obviously happy about this report.

According to the data collected by the Office of National Statistics, the number of people who come and stay in the UK for good has significantly dropped last year. From 163,000 in 2011, the number came down to 247,000 for last year. 

 

The data confirmed that the number of immigrants coming into Britain fell from 589,000 to 515,000 while the number of migrants leaving the country increased from 342,000 to 352,000. 

 

A huge drop in number was also observed in the number of immigrants coming from New Commonwealth countries, which include Botswana, Malawi, Kenya, and Indian subcontinent countries Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. 

 

On the other hand, sponsored visa applications increased by 3per cent in the university sector. However, the number fell for further education, English language schools, and independent schools by 62per cent, 69per cent, and 14per cent respectively. 

 

Immigration Minister Mark Harper said: "Our tough reforms are having an impact in all the right places - we have tightened the routes where abuse was rife and overall numbers are down as a result.”