Who Migrates to the UK & Why
Expat migration to the United Kingdom has been a constant phenomenon for several decades, with people from all over the world choosing to make the UK their home for various reasons. The UK is well known for its strong economy, rich cultural heritage, world-class education system, and robust social welfare system, which are some of the factors that attract people from all corners of the world. In this article, we will examine the reasons behind expat migration to the UK and the measures that have been taken to manage this process.
Reasons for expat migration to the UK
There are two basic ways to measure the migration of people in the UK:
flows across UK’s international border and
the stock of individuals residing in the UK who are not nationals of United Kingdom or were born elsewhere.
In the fiscal year ending June 2021:
573,000 people moved to the UK and
334,000 left the UK, resulting in a net migration of 239,000 individuals. This reflects the equilibrium of long-term migrants coming into and leaving the United Kingdom.
The Covid-19 epidemic led to significantly less migration than in prior years. The production of migration statistics was also disrupted by the epidemic, adding to the ambiguity of the data during this time period.
So why do people migrate to the UK?
The main reasons expats move to the UK are to work and study. In the year ending March 2020, formal education (36%) and employment (32%) were the top two primary motivations for expats to move to the United Kingdom.
One of the main reasons for expat migration to the UK is the availability of job opportunities. The country has a well-developed economy, with a diverse range of industries that offer attractive job prospects for people with different skill sets. This has attracted many skilled professionals from different parts of the world, who see the UK as an ideal destination for furthering their careers. For example, London, the capital city of the UK, is one of the world's financial centers and attracts many people from the finance sector.
Another reason for expat migration to the UK is its education system. The country is home to some of the world's top universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, which are known for their academic excellence. Many students from all over the world come to the UK to pursue their studies, with the hope of gaining a world-class education and improving their future prospects. The UK's education system is also highly regarded by employers, making it an ideal destination for people looking to further their careers.
Family reunion is another reason why people migrate to the UK
People may choose to move to the country to be with their family members who are already living in the UK, either as citizens or as expats. This has been a common trend among people from countries like India and Pakistan, who have strong cultural ties with the UK.
Additionally, the UK's political stability and freedoms are a major draw for many people
The country is known for its commitment to human rights and democracy, making it an ideal destination for people fleeing political unrest or persecution in their home countries. This has made the UK a popular destination for refugees and asylum seekers from different parts of the world.
Managing the process of Expat migration to the UK
Migration has been part of the human experience throughout history, and statistics show it can prove to be a source of prosperity, innovation and sustainable development in our globalized world. When migration occurs in a well-informed, planned, and mutually agreeable way, it benefits everyone.
To manage the process of expat migration to the UK, the government has put in place several measures. One of these measures is the Points-Based System (PBS), which is a system used to determine the eligibility of non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals to work or study in the UK. The PBS is based on a points system, where points are awarded based on various criteria such as qualifications, experience and age.
In order to make migration work for everyone, the difficulties and possibilities of global migration must bring us together, not separate us.
Whilst we aknoledge that by improving migration governance we can optimise these positive impacts, we must foster inclusiveness and social cohesion while highlighting the beneficial contributions that migrants make to our societies. In order to eliminate false narratives that lead to unfavorable opinions of migrants, we must also ensure that all residents have access to objective, fact-based information about the advantages and difficulties of migration.
Today, the bulk of migrants do their moving, living, and working in safe, routine ways. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that migration has a variety of, perhaps unforeseen effects on our nations, communities, migrants, and their families.
In conclusion, expat migration to the UK is driven by various reasons, including job opportunities, education, family reunion, and political stability.