Migration Observatory
@migobs.bsky.social
The Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford provides independent, authoritative, evidence-based analysis on UK migration.
If you’re a UK policy professional interested in learning more about our work at The Migration Observatory then don’t miss the opportunity to join us as a Visiting Fellow.
Submit your expression of interest using the link below.
Applications close at 23:59 today.
🔗 bsky.app/profile/oxpo...
Submit your expression of interest using the link below.
Applications close at 23:59 today.
🔗 bsky.app/profile/oxpo...
Do you work in #policy at local, regional, national government level? Fancy spending some time with like-minded researchers at @ox.ac.uk on the burning issues of the day?
Consider our new Visiting Fellowship scheme just open this week:
www.ox.ac.uk/research/usi...
Consider our new Visiting Fellowship scheme just open this week:
www.ox.ac.uk/research/usi...
November 21, 2025 at 1:29 PM
If you’re a UK policy professional interested in learning more about our work at The Migration Observatory then don’t miss the opportunity to join us as a Visiting Fellow.
Submit your expression of interest using the link below.
Applications close at 23:59 today.
🔗 bsky.app/profile/oxpo...
Submit your expression of interest using the link below.
Applications close at 23:59 today.
🔗 bsky.app/profile/oxpo...
Revised estimates from the ONS suggest that net migration reached a peak of 944,000 in 2023 (rather than 906,000) and fell faster in 2024, to 345,000 (not 431,000).
Here's all you need to know, in three posts...
Here's all you need to know, in three posts...
November 18, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Revised estimates from the ONS suggest that net migration reached a peak of 944,000 in 2023 (rather than 906,000) and fell faster in 2024, to 345,000 (not 431,000).
Here's all you need to know, in three posts...
Here's all you need to know, in three posts...
Reposted by Migration Observatory
A key recent discussion about UK migration has been people's rights to settle permanemently - or "indefinite leave to remain" - but how many people have this status? Our latest piece gives you the info (NB - doesn't include EU settlement scheme) migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
How many migrants in the UK have settlement? - Migration Observatory
This commentary estimates the number of non-EU citizens who currently have settlement, also known as indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
November 10, 2025 at 1:29 PM
A key recent discussion about UK migration has been people's rights to settle permanemently - or "indefinite leave to remain" - but how many people have this status? Our latest piece gives you the info (NB - doesn't include EU settlement scheme) migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
A key recent discussion about UK migration has been people's rights to settle permanemently - or "indefinite leave to remain" - but how many people have this status? Our latest piece gives you the info (NB - doesn't include EU settlement scheme) migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
How many migrants in the UK have settlement? - Migration Observatory
This commentary estimates the number of non-EU citizens who currently have settlement, also known as indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
November 10, 2025 at 1:29 PM
A key recent discussion about UK migration has been people's rights to settle permanemently - or "indefinite leave to remain" - but how many people have this status? Our latest piece gives you the info (NB - doesn't include EU settlement scheme) migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
The share of children born to migrant mothers in England & Wales has been rising. Our updated Children of Migrants briefing shows this is largely due to UK-born women having fewer children on average — and to shifts in the composition of the UK’s migrant population.
November 7, 2025 at 12:42 PM
The share of children born to migrant mothers in England & Wales has been rising. Our updated Children of Migrants briefing shows this is largely due to UK-born women having fewer children on average — and to shifts in the composition of the UK’s migrant population.
45% of international students who came to the UK in 2022 had switched to another visa by the end of 2024.
Students were most likely to have switched onto the Graduate route, but there was also more switching onto long-term work visas than before Brexit.
Students were most likely to have switched onto the Graduate route, but there was also more switching onto long-term work visas than before Brexit.
November 4, 2025 at 9:20 AM
45% of international students who came to the UK in 2022 had switched to another visa by the end of 2024.
Students were most likely to have switched onto the Graduate route, but there was also more switching onto long-term work visas than before Brexit.
Students were most likely to have switched onto the Graduate route, but there was also more switching onto long-term work visas than before Brexit.
Between 2022–2024, the UK issued 19% fewer international student visas — yet universities still enrolled around 730,000 people from abroad in 2023/24, a quarter of all students. India, China & Nigeria led new arrivals.
October 30, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Between 2022–2024, the UK issued 19% fewer international student visas — yet universities still enrolled around 730,000 people from abroad in 2023/24, a quarter of all students. India, China & Nigeria led new arrivals.
Do migration policies impact men and women the same way? Our latest briefing on Gender and Migration to the UK takes a closer look at this question
Migration and gender in the UK - Migration Observatory
This report looks at how different immigration routes affect men and women, and how this has changed over time.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
October 17, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Do migration policies impact men and women the same way? Our latest briefing on Gender and Migration to the UK takes a closer look at this question
Labour has made several migration pledges since entering government, from reducing net migration to ending the use of asylum hotels.
Has progress been made towards achieving these pledges? Take a look at our tracker (in the next post) to find out.
Has progress been made towards achieving these pledges? Take a look at our tracker (in the next post) to find out.
October 14, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Labour has made several migration pledges since entering government, from reducing net migration to ending the use of asylum hotels.
Has progress been made towards achieving these pledges? Take a look at our tracker (in the next post) to find out.
Has progress been made towards achieving these pledges? Take a look at our tracker (in the next post) to find out.
The event of the year is back again! The Migration Statistics User Forum - 11th Dec 2025.
Your opportunity to find out what ONS, Home Office and other govt data teams and others are planning on migration, and tell them what other stats you need
Sign up here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/migration-...
Your opportunity to find out what ONS, Home Office and other govt data teams and others are planning on migration, and tell them what other stats you need
Sign up here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/migration-...
Migration Statistics User Forum 2025
A webinar for users and producers of international migration statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the Home Office
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 13, 2025 at 10:18 AM
The event of the year is back again! The Migration Statistics User Forum - 11th Dec 2025.
Your opportunity to find out what ONS, Home Office and other govt data teams and others are planning on migration, and tell them what other stats you need
Sign up here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/migration-...
Your opportunity to find out what ONS, Home Office and other govt data teams and others are planning on migration, and tell them what other stats you need
Sign up here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/migration-...
New monthly visa data:
➤ Skilled worker visa applications fell following July restrictions on care workers & mid-skilled jobs
➤Student visa applications similar to last year
➤Family visa applications ticking back upwards after the peak & decline that followed MIR increase
➤ Skilled worker visa applications fell following July restrictions on care workers & mid-skilled jobs
➤Student visa applications similar to last year
➤Family visa applications ticking back upwards after the peak & decline that followed MIR increase
October 9, 2025 at 10:40 AM
New monthly visa data:
➤ Skilled worker visa applications fell following July restrictions on care workers & mid-skilled jobs
➤Student visa applications similar to last year
➤Family visa applications ticking back upwards after the peak & decline that followed MIR increase
➤ Skilled worker visa applications fell following July restrictions on care workers & mid-skilled jobs
➤Student visa applications similar to last year
➤Family visa applications ticking back upwards after the peak & decline that followed MIR increase
Reposted by Migration Observatory
🚨We're hiring a Policy Manager
Do you have substantial public affairs experience, a deep understanding of how immigration and employment laws can perpetuate exploitation, and a genuine passion for social justice?
Yes? ➡️ Apply now!
No? ➡️Send to a friend 😉
www.workrightscentre.org/publications...
Do you have substantial public affairs experience, a deep understanding of how immigration and employment laws can perpetuate exploitation, and a genuine passion for social justice?
Yes? ➡️ Apply now!
No? ➡️Send to a friend 😉
www.workrightscentre.org/publications...
We’re recruiting a Policy Manager | Work Rights Centre
www.workrightscentre.org
October 8, 2025 at 11:58 AM
🚨We're hiring a Policy Manager
Do you have substantial public affairs experience, a deep understanding of how immigration and employment laws can perpetuate exploitation, and a genuine passion for social justice?
Yes? ➡️ Apply now!
No? ➡️Send to a friend 😉
www.workrightscentre.org/publications...
Do you have substantial public affairs experience, a deep understanding of how immigration and employment laws can perpetuate exploitation, and a genuine passion for social justice?
Yes? ➡️ Apply now!
No? ➡️Send to a friend 😉
www.workrightscentre.org/publications...
It's a new academic year here in Oxford. Last year we published more than 40 briefings, commentaries and other releases, and provided analysis to hundreds of media outlets. If you support our independent rigorous analysis you can make a donation here migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/about/donate/
Donate - Migration Observatory
“The most respected body on UK migration” – The Sunday Telegraph Migration is one of the most contentious policy issues in the UK today. And after the EU referendum, the future of migration policy ha...
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
October 6, 2025 at 3:21 PM
It's a new academic year here in Oxford. Last year we published more than 40 briefings, commentaries and other releases, and provided analysis to hundreds of media outlets. If you support our independent rigorous analysis you can make a donation here migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/about/donate/
Here's what you need to know about conviction and incarceration rates among British and foreign nationals, in 3 posts 👇
Overall, incarceration and conviction rates are broadly similar for foreign and British nationals. When controlling for age and sex, non-citizens are less likely to be incarcerated than Brits.
A big caveat, though: current population statistics aren't very reliable.
A big caveat, though: current population statistics aren't very reliable.
September 30, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Here's what you need to know about conviction and incarceration rates among British and foreign nationals, in 3 posts 👇
Are foreign nationals more or less likely to be convicted or imprisoned than British citizens? Our new commentary sets out what the data can tell us (and what it can’t).
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
How do conviction rates and prison populations differ between British and foreign nationals? - Migration Observatory
This commentary outlines what available data can tell us on how convictions and prison populations compare for migrants and the UK population.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
September 30, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Are foreign nationals more or less likely to be convicted or imprisoned than British citizens? Our new commentary sets out what the data can tell us (and what it can’t).
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
New data provides fascinating insights into outcomes of recent refugees granted status between 2015 and 2020
Both asylum (ARR) and resettled refugees (RR) struggled in labour market, but particular the latter - likely reflecting that many were selected based on vulnerability
link to data in reply
Both asylum (ARR) and resettled refugees (RR) struggled in labour market, but particular the latter - likely reflecting that many were selected based on vulnerability
link to data in reply
September 26, 2025 at 2:10 PM
New data provides fascinating insights into outcomes of recent refugees granted status between 2015 and 2020
Both asylum (ARR) and resettled refugees (RR) struggled in labour market, but particular the latter - likely reflecting that many were selected based on vulnerability
link to data in reply
Both asylum (ARR) and resettled refugees (RR) struggled in labour market, but particular the latter - likely reflecting that many were selected based on vulnerability
link to data in reply
Fascinating insight from @BBCfileon4 into life inside asylum hotels - from cooking food in the bathtub to intense boredom, illegal working, and children in the UK so long they have British accents
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - File on 4 Investigates, Inside the Migrant Hotel
Sue Mitchell takes listeners into the closed world of the migrant hotels.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 24, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Fascinating insight from @BBCfileon4 into life inside asylum hotels - from cooking food in the bathtub to intense boredom, illegal working, and children in the UK so long they have British accents
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Govt promises "rapid review of modern slavery legislation" to "prevent its misuse"
This follows litigation on whether an asylum seeker due to be removed to France could challenge the refusal of a negative modern slavery decision
www.gov.uk/government/n...
This follows litigation on whether an asylum seeker due to be removed to France could challenge the refusal of a negative modern slavery decision
www.gov.uk/government/n...
First small boat migrant returned under new UK-France agreement
The UK government begins removals under landmark treaty with France.
www.gov.uk
September 18, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Govt promises "rapid review of modern slavery legislation" to "prevent its misuse"
This follows litigation on whether an asylum seeker due to be removed to France could challenge the refusal of a negative modern slavery decision
www.gov.uk/government/n...
This follows litigation on whether an asylum seeker due to be removed to France could challenge the refusal of a negative modern slavery decision
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Who is responsible for housing asylum seekers and refugees?
In our new Q&A, we cover the following:
In our new Q&A, we cover the following:
September 16, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Who is responsible for housing asylum seekers and refugees?
In our new Q&A, we cover the following:
In our new Q&A, we cover the following:
Sharp increase in homelessness among newly granted refugees was one of the reasons Home Sec cited for recent restriction on refugees' ability to sponsor family members
Our latest Q&A provides background on the new policy
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Our latest Q&A provides background on the new policy
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
September 10, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Sharp increase in homelessness among newly granted refugees was one of the reasons Home Sec cited for recent restriction on refugees' ability to sponsor family members
Our latest Q&A provides background on the new policy
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Our latest Q&A provides background on the new policy
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
The government has announced key changes to its refugee family reunion policy. Our Q&A explains what’s changed, who’s affected, the possible consequences, and how the UK compares with other countries in Europe. Read more 👇
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Q&A: The UK’s new approach to refugee family reunion - Migration Observatory
This Q&A answers some common questions on the UK’s new approach to refugee family reunion.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
September 9, 2025 at 9:44 AM
The government has announced key changes to its refugee family reunion policy. Our Q&A explains what’s changed, who’s affected, the possible consequences, and how the UK compares with other countries in Europe. Read more 👇
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Busy day for our Senior Researcher, Peter Walsh: @BBCr4today and BBC 6 O’clock News on small boats and visa restrictions, and an interview for another major BBC show (that will come out later). bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0… (starts at 00:46:00)
https://bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0…
September 8, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Busy day for our Senior Researcher, Peter Walsh: @BBCr4today and BBC 6 O’clock News on small boats and visa restrictions, and an interview for another major BBC show (that will come out later). bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0… (starts at 00:46:00)
Reposted by Migration Observatory
Who is responsible for housing asylum seekers and refugees? Our latest Q and A provides the key answers and explains the process - migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Q&A: Who is responsible for housing asylum seekers and refugees? - Migration Observatory
This Q&A discusses who is responsible for housing asylum seekers and refugees in the UK.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
September 5, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Who is responsible for housing asylum seekers and refugees? Our latest Q and A provides the key answers and explains the process - migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Reposted by Migration Observatory
I'm biased, but our new Q&A on housing for asylum seekers and refugees is an incredibly interesting read.
In the Q&A, we cover the following:
In the Q&A, we cover the following:
September 5, 2025 at 12:46 PM
I'm biased, but our new Q&A on housing for asylum seekers and refugees is an incredibly interesting read.
In the Q&A, we cover the following:
In the Q&A, we cover the following:
Who is responsible for housing asylum seekers and refugees? Our latest Q and A provides the key answers and explains the process - migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Q&A: Who is responsible for housing asylum seekers and refugees? - Migration Observatory
This Q&A discusses who is responsible for housing asylum seekers and refugees in the UK.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
September 5, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Who is responsible for housing asylum seekers and refugees? Our latest Q and A provides the key answers and explains the process - migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...