Ben Brindle
@benbrindle.bsky.social
Researcher at the Migration Observatory, University of Oxford. #itfc fan, for my sins.
For media enquiries, please contact Rob McNeil.
For media enquiries, please contact Rob McNeil.
Can the government boost domestic training by restricting migration?
In a new briefing, @msumption.bsky.social and I find that migrants on work visas are a small part of a much wider picture. Here's what you need to know, in three posts.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
In a new briefing, @msumption.bsky.social and I find that migrants on work visas are a small part of a much wider picture. Here's what you need to know, in three posts.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
February 18, 2026 at 11:08 AM
Can the government boost domestic training by restricting migration?
In a new briefing, @msumption.bsky.social and I find that migrants on work visas are a small part of a much wider picture. Here's what you need to know, in three posts.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
In a new briefing, @msumption.bsky.social and I find that migrants on work visas are a small part of a much wider picture. Here's what you need to know, in three posts.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Completely agree with this on some of vitriol being sent to the Ipswich players from their own 'fans'
A few seem to have forgotten how bad things were for #itfc as recently as 2021. The club is in a much better place now, even if George Hirst misses a few sitters
A few seem to have forgotten how bad things were for #itfc as recently as 2021. The club is in a much better place now, even if George Hirst misses a few sitters
February 17, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Completely agree with this on some of vitriol being sent to the Ipswich players from their own 'fans'
A few seem to have forgotten how bad things were for #itfc as recently as 2021. The club is in a much better place now, even if George Hirst misses a few sitters
A few seem to have forgotten how bad things were for #itfc as recently as 2021. The club is in a much better place now, even if George Hirst misses a few sitters
65% of the increase in the UK’s population between 2004 and 2023 was due to international migration.
Births—another driver of population growth—have declined over the same period.
Births—another driver of population growth—have declined over the same period.
February 12, 2026 at 1:47 PM
65% of the increase in the UK’s population between 2004 and 2023 was due to international migration.
Births—another driver of population growth—have declined over the same period.
Births—another driver of population growth—have declined over the same period.
Reposted by Ben Brindle
Five years on: Hong Kong migrants to the UK under the HK BN(O) visa scheme.
Findings from our @ukri.org funded survey,led by Tak Wing Chan (UCL), with me, @msumption.bsky.social @benbrindle.bsky.social
Wed, 2pm, at UCL
Register here:
www.eventbrite.com/e/hong-kong-...
Findings from our @ukri.org funded survey,led by Tak Wing Chan (UCL), with me, @msumption.bsky.social @benbrindle.bsky.social
Wed, 2pm, at UCL
Register here:
www.eventbrite.com/e/hong-kong-...
Hong Kong BN(O) Migrants Panel Survey Wave 2 Result Seminar
Discover Wave 1 & 2 findings of the BN(O) Panel Survey on 11 Feb 2026. Panels on community and research findings. Join us for insights!
www.eventbrite.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:36 AM
Five years on: Hong Kong migrants to the UK under the HK BN(O) visa scheme.
Findings from our @ukri.org funded survey,led by Tak Wing Chan (UCL), with me, @msumption.bsky.social @benbrindle.bsky.social
Wed, 2pm, at UCL
Register here:
www.eventbrite.com/e/hong-kong-...
Findings from our @ukri.org funded survey,led by Tak Wing Chan (UCL), with me, @msumption.bsky.social @benbrindle.bsky.social
Wed, 2pm, at UCL
Register here:
www.eventbrite.com/e/hong-kong-...
@mark-heath.bsky.social Will you be skiing at the 2030 Olympics?
February 8, 2026 at 12:08 PM
@mark-heath.bsky.social Will you be skiing at the 2030 Olympics?
Reposted by Ben Brindle
Around 185,000 Hong Kongers have come to the UK since 2021, after the BNO visa was created.
Join us on the 11th of February to find out how Hong Kongers are adapting to life in the UK.
Register here 👇
www.eventbrite.com/e/hong-kong-...
Join us on the 11th of February to find out how Hong Kongers are adapting to life in the UK.
Register here 👇
www.eventbrite.com/e/hong-kong-...
Hong Kong BN(O) Migrants Panel Survey Wave 2 Result Seminar
Discover Wave 1 & 2 findings of the BN(O) Panel Survey on 11 Feb 2026. Panels on community and research findings. Join us for insights!
www.eventbrite.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:07 PM
Around 185,000 Hong Kongers have come to the UK since 2021, after the BNO visa was created.
Join us on the 11th of February to find out how Hong Kongers are adapting to life in the UK.
Register here 👇
www.eventbrite.com/e/hong-kong-...
Join us on the 11th of February to find out how Hong Kongers are adapting to life in the UK.
Register here 👇
www.eventbrite.com/e/hong-kong-...
Good to see some very good articles pointing out that AI won't only take jobs, but will change and create jobs, too.
We see that in academic papers - including by the excellent Daron Acemoglu, mentioned in this piece.
www.ft.com/content/d8e0...
We see that in academic papers - including by the excellent Daron Acemoglu, mentioned in this piece.
www.ft.com/content/d8e0...
The AI Shift: Could AI make — rather than take — jobs?
Public attention is focused on possible AI job losses, but history tells us that new tech usually generates jobs too
www.ft.com
January 29, 2026 at 1:03 PM
Good to see some very good articles pointing out that AI won't only take jobs, but will change and create jobs, too.
We see that in academic papers - including by the excellent Daron Acemoglu, mentioned in this piece.
www.ft.com/content/d8e0...
We see that in academic papers - including by the excellent Daron Acemoglu, mentioned in this piece.
www.ft.com/content/d8e0...
Reposted by Ben Brindle
"For BN(O)s the help which has been most needed is in securing work which matches skills."
✍️ @heather-rolfe.bsky.social looks at the lessons that can be learned from the Hong Kong BN(O) visa scheme
🔗 ukandeu.ac.uk/lessons-from...
✍️ @heather-rolfe.bsky.social looks at the lessons that can be learned from the Hong Kong BN(O) visa scheme
🔗 ukandeu.ac.uk/lessons-from...
What lessons can be drawn from the Hong Kong BN(O) visa scheme for the UK’s support for new migrants? - UK in a changing Europe
As the Hong Kong BN(O) visa scheme approaches its fifth anniversary, Heather Rolfe looks at the lessons that can be learned from the scheme in how the UK can support new migrants.
ukandeu.ac.uk
January 28, 2026 at 10:14 AM
"For BN(O)s the help which has been most needed is in securing work which matches skills."
✍️ @heather-rolfe.bsky.social looks at the lessons that can be learned from the Hong Kong BN(O) visa scheme
🔗 ukandeu.ac.uk/lessons-from...
✍️ @heather-rolfe.bsky.social looks at the lessons that can be learned from the Hong Kong BN(O) visa scheme
🔗 ukandeu.ac.uk/lessons-from...
Reposted by Ben Brindle
Not sure what to make of it all? Our briefing on net migration is a great place to start getting to grips with the big changes in migration to and from the UK in recent years.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
Net migration to the UK - Migration Observatory
An overview of net migration in the UK – defined as the difference between immigration and emigration of people moving for at least a year.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
January 9, 2026 at 9:29 AM
Not sure what to make of it all? Our briefing on net migration is a great place to start getting to grips with the big changes in migration to and from the UK in recent years.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
Reposted by Ben Brindle
Special dispensation for foreign prison officers who, it was widely reported last year, faced being unable to renew their work visas www.poauk.org.uk/news-events/...
CIRC 087: TEMPORARY EXEMPTION TO CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE IMMIGRATION RULES | The POA
www.poauk.org.uk
January 7, 2026 at 12:04 PM
Special dispensation for foreign prison officers who, it was widely reported last year, faced being unable to renew their work visas www.poauk.org.uk/news-events/...
It's that time when I tell anybody who will listen my favourite things from 2025.
First up, my favourite albums...
Geese - Getting Killed
Horsegirl - Phonetics On and On
Viagra Boys - viagr aboys
Heartworms - Glutton for Punishment
Smerz - Big city life
LCD Soundsystem was my live music highlight
First up, my favourite albums...
Geese - Getting Killed
Horsegirl - Phonetics On and On
Viagra Boys - viagr aboys
Heartworms - Glutton for Punishment
Smerz - Big city life
LCD Soundsystem was my live music highlight
December 31, 2025 at 4:43 PM
It's that time when I tell anybody who will listen my favourite things from 2025.
First up, my favourite albums...
Geese - Getting Killed
Horsegirl - Phonetics On and On
Viagra Boys - viagr aboys
Heartworms - Glutton for Punishment
Smerz - Big city life
LCD Soundsystem was my live music highlight
First up, my favourite albums...
Geese - Getting Killed
Horsegirl - Phonetics On and On
Viagra Boys - viagr aboys
Heartworms - Glutton for Punishment
Smerz - Big city life
LCD Soundsystem was my live music highlight
The Migration Advisory Committee has recommended that the government reduce occupation-specific thresholds for Skilled Workers.
Here's why, in 3 posts...
Here's why, in 3 posts...
December 22, 2025 at 1:24 PM
The Migration Advisory Committee has recommended that the government reduce occupation-specific thresholds for Skilled Workers.
Here's why, in 3 posts...
Here's why, in 3 posts...
The high court has told the Home Office the move on period for people granted refugee status should be 56 days (rather than 28) for those at risk of becoming homeless
Thousands to avoid Christmas on streets as Home Office ordered to delay refugee evictions
Thousands to avoid Christmas on streets as Home Office ordered to delay refugee evictions
Move-on period extended from 28 days to 56 days if person recently granted refugee status is at risk of sleeping rough
The UK high court has halted evictions of thousands of new refugees who were at risk of spending Christmas on the streets.
Concern had been mounting among lawyers and human rights campaigners that within days of celebrating being granted refugee status this group could find themselves rough sleeping. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:46 PM
The high court has told the Home Office the move on period for people granted refugee status should be 56 days (rather than 28) for those at risk of becoming homeless
Reposted by Ben Brindle
The Migration Advisory Committee has released its 2025 annual report.
The report looks at the impact of migration on the UK's public finances, Overseas Domestic Workers, and migrants' English language abilities.
Here are three things they found 👇
The report looks at the impact of migration on the UK's public finances, Overseas Domestic Workers, and migrants' English language abilities.
Here are three things they found 👇
December 17, 2025 at 12:55 PM
The Migration Advisory Committee has released its 2025 annual report.
The report looks at the impact of migration on the UK's public finances, Overseas Domestic Workers, and migrants' English language abilities.
Here are three things they found 👇
The report looks at the impact of migration on the UK's public finances, Overseas Domestic Workers, and migrants' English language abilities.
Here are three things they found 👇
Busy day for the MAC, who have also reviewed work visa salary requirements.
They recommend the general salary threshold remains at £41.7k, but also say it would be fine to lower the occ-specific going rate from the median earnings to the 25th pctl.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69413d...
They recommend the general salary threshold remains at £41.7k, but also say it would be fine to lower the occ-specific going rate from the median earnings to the 25th pctl.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69413d...
The Migration Advisory Committee has released its 2025 annual report.
The report looks at the impact of migration on the UK's public finances, Overseas Domestic Workers, and migrants' English language abilities.
Here are three things they found 👇
The report looks at the impact of migration on the UK's public finances, Overseas Domestic Workers, and migrants' English language abilities.
Here are three things they found 👇
December 17, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Busy day for the MAC, who have also reviewed work visa salary requirements.
They recommend the general salary threshold remains at £41.7k, but also say it would be fine to lower the occ-specific going rate from the median earnings to the 25th pctl.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69413d...
They recommend the general salary threshold remains at £41.7k, but also say it would be fine to lower the occ-specific going rate from the median earnings to the 25th pctl.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69413d...
Reposted by Ben Brindle
What is the potential impact of the proposed reforms to the UK's asylum system?
Some measures, like restricting family reunion, may plausibly deter some people from coming to the UK. Yet the evidence is mixed, and insufficient to say whether any effects will be particularly large.
Some measures, like restricting family reunion, may plausibly deter some people from coming to the UK. Yet the evidence is mixed, and insufficient to say whether any effects will be particularly large.
Temporary protection: the UK’s new policies on asylum and returns - Migration Observatory
This commentary discusses the asylum and returns policy reforms, comparisons to other European countries, and whether they will be successful in reducing the number of asylum applications and small bo...
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
December 11, 2025 at 11:04 AM
What is the potential impact of the proposed reforms to the UK's asylum system?
Some measures, like restricting family reunion, may plausibly deter some people from coming to the UK. Yet the evidence is mixed, and insufficient to say whether any effects will be particularly large.
Some measures, like restricting family reunion, may plausibly deter some people from coming to the UK. Yet the evidence is mixed, and insufficient to say whether any effects will be particularly large.
Reposted by Ben Brindle
New episode of the TDTM podcast just dropped, featuring migration statistics oracle and all-round inspiration Madeleine Sumption from Oxford's @migobs.bsky.social 🔊
Listen to the full episode now on Spotify ⬇️ or Apple Podcasts
open.spotify.com/episode/2Buv...
Listen to the full episode now on Spotify ⬇️ or Apple Podcasts
open.spotify.com/episode/2Buv...
December 9, 2025 at 10:28 AM
New episode of the TDTM podcast just dropped, featuring migration statistics oracle and all-round inspiration Madeleine Sumption from Oxford's @migobs.bsky.social 🔊
Listen to the full episode now on Spotify ⬇️ or Apple Podcasts
open.spotify.com/episode/2Buv...
Listen to the full episode now on Spotify ⬇️ or Apple Podcasts
open.spotify.com/episode/2Buv...
Tim Harford and Christmas is always a great mix.
I don't wrap the presents in my house, although I maintain that's because if it's not a conveniently shaped gift it will be wrapped with so much tape the gift won't be opened until next Christmas...
I don't wrap the presents in my house, although I maintain that's because if it's not a conveniently shaped gift it will be wrapped with so much tape the gift won't be opened until next Christmas...
Santa Claus is a woman. Always has been. (Always will be?)
on.ft.com/43POQET
on.ft.com/43POQET
Santa Claus is still a woman
[FREE TO READ] There is something particularly stubborn about gender roles at Christmas
on.ft.com
December 3, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Tim Harford and Christmas is always a great mix.
I don't wrap the presents in my house, although I maintain that's because if it's not a conveniently shaped gift it will be wrapped with so much tape the gift won't be opened until next Christmas...
I don't wrap the presents in my house, although I maintain that's because if it's not a conveniently shaped gift it will be wrapped with so much tape the gift won't be opened until next Christmas...
Reposted by Ben Brindle
Hot off the press! The latest Migration Observatory press release about today's migration statistics is out and you can read it below. Spoiler alert, massive fall in net migration. Immigration falls in all main categories except asylum: migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/press/net-mi...
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
November 27, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Hot off the press! The latest Migration Observatory press release about today's migration statistics is out and you can read it below. Spoiler alert, massive fall in net migration. Immigration falls in all main categories except asylum: migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/press/net-mi...
Reposted by Ben Brindle
🔃 "For public policy reasons and Treasury planning, it would be much better if we knew something about these citizen-emigrants."
✍️ @jsm27.bsky.social makes the case for having a better understanding of the British nationals leaving and returning to the UK
ukandeu.ac.uk/who-is-emigr...
✍️ @jsm27.bsky.social makes the case for having a better understanding of the British nationals leaving and returning to the UK
ukandeu.ac.uk/who-is-emigr...
Who is emigrating from the UK? - UK in a changing Europe
John Mahon makes the case for having a better understanding of the British nationals leaving the UK. He argues that the cost to the state of British nationals leaving or returning to the UK varies, so...
ukandeu.ac.uk
November 26, 2025 at 3:48 PM
🔃 "For public policy reasons and Treasury planning, it would be much better if we knew something about these citizen-emigrants."
✍️ @jsm27.bsky.social makes the case for having a better understanding of the British nationals leaving and returning to the UK
ukandeu.ac.uk/who-is-emigr...
✍️ @jsm27.bsky.social makes the case for having a better understanding of the British nationals leaving and returning to the UK
ukandeu.ac.uk/who-is-emigr...
Reposted by Ben Brindle
International student levy on British universities confirmed in Budget 2025 documents www.gov.uk/government/p...
November 26, 2025 at 2:17 PM
International student levy on British universities confirmed in Budget 2025 documents www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Ben Brindle
somehow this too is about the budget
November 25, 2025 at 3:37 PM
somehow this too is about the budget
The qualifying period to settlement will be increased to a baseline of 10 years.
These criteria will increase or reduce that time, for those who qualify. Only one criterion from each table can be applied
These criteria will increase or reduce that time, for those who qualify. Only one criterion from each table can be applied
November 20, 2025 at 2:53 PM
The qualifying period to settlement will be increased to a baseline of 10 years.
These criteria will increase or reduce that time, for those who qualify. Only one criterion from each table can be applied
These criteria will increase or reduce that time, for those who qualify. Only one criterion from each table can be applied
Reposted by Ben Brindle
The UK government's proposals on changes to settlement (indefinite leave to remain) rules have now been published in a consultation paper, ahead of a statement from the Home Secretary to MPs shortly www.gov.uk/government/c...
Earned settlement
The government is consulting on how the current settlement system should be reformed and how those reforms should be implemented.
www.gov.uk
November 20, 2025 at 12:46 PM
The UK government's proposals on changes to settlement (indefinite leave to remain) rules have now been published in a consultation paper, ahead of a statement from the Home Secretary to MPs shortly www.gov.uk/government/c...
Reposted by Ben Brindle
Does this mean more Brits are leaving the UK now than before the pandemic?
In short, we don't know. That's because British migration estimates using the new method only go back to 2021, and aren't comparable with pre-pandemic estimates based on the old method.
In short, we don't know. That's because British migration estimates using the new method only go back to 2021, and aren't comparable with pre-pandemic estimates based on the old method.
November 18, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Does this mean more Brits are leaving the UK now than before the pandemic?
In short, we don't know. That's because British migration estimates using the new method only go back to 2021, and aren't comparable with pre-pandemic estimates based on the old method.
In short, we don't know. That's because British migration estimates using the new method only go back to 2021, and aren't comparable with pre-pandemic estimates based on the old method.