Migration Observatory
@migobs.bsky.social
The Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford provides independent, authoritative, evidence-based analysis on UK migration.
Talks on a UK/EU Youth Mobility Scheme are "very advanced", according to the EU Commissioner for finance.
Our commentary tells you everything you need to know about Youth Mobility Schemes, including how agreements have affected net migration
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Our commentary tells you everything you need to know about Youth Mobility Schemes, including how agreements have affected net migration
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
What is the Youth Mobility Scheme and how does it work? - Migration Observatory
This commentary answers some common questions about immigration to the UK through Youth Mobility Schemes.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
February 4, 2026 at 12:48 PM
Talks on a UK/EU Youth Mobility Scheme are "very advanced", according to the EU Commissioner for finance.
Our commentary tells you everything you need to know about Youth Mobility Schemes, including how agreements have affected net migration
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Our commentary tells you everything you need to know about Youth Mobility Schemes, including how agreements have affected net migration
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Exciting news for immigration data nerds: Home Office will resume publishing exit check statistics probably this year, according to Jon Simmons - former Home Office immigration stats guru - speaking at Lords Justice & Home Affairs Committee this morning
parliamentlive.tv/event/index/...
parliamentlive.tv/event/index/...
February 3, 2026 at 11:23 AM
Exciting news for immigration data nerds: Home Office will resume publishing exit check statistics probably this year, according to Jon Simmons - former Home Office immigration stats guru - speaking at Lords Justice & Home Affairs Committee this morning
parliamentlive.tv/event/index/...
parliamentlive.tv/event/index/...
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-...
A Times investigation has found that visa agents are selling Skilled Worker visas for positions that don't exist.
It's well worth reading the full article (link in the next post), but here's how it works.
It's well worth reading the full article (link in the next post), but here's how it works.
January 28, 2026 at 10:08 AM
A Times investigation has found that visa agents are selling Skilled Worker visas for positions that don't exist.
It's well worth reading the full article (link in the next post), but here's how it works.
It's well worth reading the full article (link in the next post), but here's how it works.
More EU migrants have been leaving than arriving in the UK since '22, as the take-up of visas remains low among both workers and students. Yet EU migrants are doing better than other groups in terms of employment and earnings. Our updated overview below
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
EU Migration to and from the UK - Migration Observatory
This briefing provides an overview of EU migration to and from the UK, including immigration and emigration of EU migrants, registrations for a National Insurance number (NINos), employment, and other...
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
January 23, 2026 at 11:48 AM
More EU migrants have been leaving than arriving in the UK since '22, as the take-up of visas remains low among both workers and students. Yet EU migrants are doing better than other groups in terms of employment and earnings. Our updated overview below
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
Has Labour made progress on its migration pledges? Our new commentary assesses six commitments, from reducing net migration and small boat arrivals to clearing the asylum backlog and ending asylum hotels. Check it out:
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Labour’s pledges on migration: the data - Migration Observatory
This commentary examines the Labour government’s progress towards its goals on migration after a year in government.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
January 15, 2026 at 2:09 PM
Has Labour made progress on its migration pledges? Our new commentary assesses six commitments, from reducing net migration and small boat arrivals to clearing the asylum backlog and ending asylum hotels. Check it out:
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
A happy new year to all! It was back to business as usual yesterday with new monthly visa figures, the Home Office's first migration stats release of 2026.
We can now see that total visas applications on the main routes in 2025 were down 12% on 2024 and 42% on 2023.
www.gov.uk/government/s...
We can now see that total visas applications on the main routes in 2025 were down 12% on 2024 and 42% on 2023.
www.gov.uk/government/s...
Monthly entry clearance visa applications, December 2025
www.gov.uk
January 9, 2026 at 9:29 AM
A happy new year to all! It was back to business as usual yesterday with new monthly visa figures, the Home Office's first migration stats release of 2026.
We can now see that total visas applications on the main routes in 2025 were down 12% on 2024 and 42% on 2023.
www.gov.uk/government/s...
We can now see that total visas applications on the main routes in 2025 were down 12% on 2024 and 42% on 2023.
www.gov.uk/government/s...
Reposted by Migration Observatory
Well, that was quite a year!
Here's our roundup of the big migration moments of 2025, including 3 white papers, a big fall in net migration, and 10 gaps in the evidence base.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Here's our roundup of the big migration moments of 2025, including 3 white papers, a big fall in net migration, and 10 gaps in the evidence base.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
2025: Review of the year - Migration Observatory
A round up of the big moments in UK migration policy and developments from the rollercoaster that was 2025.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
December 22, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Well, that was quite a year!
Here's our roundup of the big migration moments of 2025, including 3 white papers, a big fall in net migration, and 10 gaps in the evidence base.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Here's our roundup of the big migration moments of 2025, including 3 white papers, a big fall in net migration, and 10 gaps in the evidence base.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Well, that was quite a year!
Here's our roundup of the big migration moments of 2025, including 3 white papers, a big fall in net migration, and 10 gaps in the evidence base.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Here's our roundup of the big migration moments of 2025, including 3 white papers, a big fall in net migration, and 10 gaps in the evidence base.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
2025: Review of the year - Migration Observatory
A round up of the big moments in UK migration policy and developments from the rollercoaster that was 2025.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
December 22, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Well, that was quite a year!
Here's our roundup of the big migration moments of 2025, including 3 white papers, a big fall in net migration, and 10 gaps in the evidence base.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Here's our roundup of the big migration moments of 2025, including 3 white papers, a big fall in net migration, and 10 gaps in the evidence base.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
It’s International Migrants Day, a good time to highlight our free Reporting Migration course for journalists and those working on migration in the UK, developed with NCTJ and the Open University: www.nctj.com/cpd-courses/... - offering a grounding in history, law, policy and data.
https://nctj.com/cpd-courses/re…
December 18, 2025 at 12:24 PM
It’s International Migrants Day, a good time to highlight our free Reporting Migration course for journalists and those working on migration in the UK, developed with NCTJ and the Open University: www.nctj.com/cpd-courses/... - offering a grounding in history, law, policy and data.
Reposted by Migration Observatory
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 👇
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 👇
New data shows a sharp decline in family visas following the September restriction on refugee family reunion.
December 12, 2025 at 10:28 AM
New data shows a sharp decline in family visas following the September restriction on refugee family reunion.
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 Migration Observatory
Today's finally the day! @migobs.bsky.social has published its mega report on migration data gaps.
Whatever people's politics, we should all recognise that effective policy making needs good data. And there are areas where we're still falling short.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
Whatever people's politics, we should all recognise that effective policy making needs good data. And there are areas where we're still falling short.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
Top Ten Problems in the Evidence Base for Public Debate and Policy-Making on Immigration in the UK in 2025 - Migration Observatory
This report identifies gaps in data about migration that prevent policymakers and the public from understanding its impacts and the implications of policy changes.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
December 5, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Today's finally the day! @migobs.bsky.social has published its mega report on migration data gaps.
Whatever people's politics, we should all recognise that effective policy making needs good data. And there are areas where we're still falling short.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
Whatever people's politics, we should all recognise that effective policy making needs good data. And there are areas where we're still falling short.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
Important new report out from us today on evidence gaps for migration policy making, by the brilliant @georginasturge.bsky.social migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
Top Ten Problems in the Evidence Base for Public Debate and Policy-Making on Immigration in the UK in 2025 - Migration Observatory
This report identifies gaps in data about migration that prevent policymakers and the public from understanding its impacts and the implications of policy changes.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
December 5, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Important new report out from us today on evidence gaps for migration policy making, by the brilliant @georginasturge.bsky.social migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
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...
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