Posts by Jay Lindop

Why people immigrate to the UK: seizing the opportunities of administrative data

Categories: Census, Data, migration, ONS, Population
Image of departures and arrivals sign at Heathrow

The Office for National Statistics has launched a public consultation on the future of population and migration statistics. This includes seeking views from users about potential alternative definitions and breakdowns of population and migration that we don’t currently provide. One of those we’re already aware of is the need for more context on the drivers of international migration. Jay Lindop explains how we’re using administrative data to shed more light on the reasons people migrate to the UK.

Read more on Why people immigrate to the UK: seizing the opportunities of administrative data

International migration hits new high in 2022 but there are signs of change

Categories: ONS
Image of queues at UK border terminal

International immigration to the UK hit record levels in 2022, driven by unprecedented world events and the rise in international students following the lifting of pandemic restrictions. Aligned to a period where a new immigration system had recently been introduced, Jay Lindop explains what we have been doing at the ONS to provide users with the best possible migration figures and how these feed into our future model for population statistics.

Read more on International migration hits new high in 2022 but there are signs of change

How world events have led to rising immigration

Categories: Data, ONS, Population, Public Policy
Ukrainian refugees at Lviv railway station

 The 12 months to June 2022 were unique for many reasons. The end of lockdown restrictions in the UK, the first full period following transition from the EU, and world events including the war in Ukraine, the new visa route for Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas) and resettlement of Afghans have all contributed to record levels of immigration. Here Jay Lindop examines the impact of these events and looks ahead to what the future holds for international migration estimates.

Read more on How world events have led to rising immigration

Experimental migration data: No evidence of UK exodus

Categories: Coronavirus, migration, Population
Arrivals to a UK airport at border control

New figures suggest that although net international migration to the UK fell in 2020, there is no evidence of an exodus. Jay Lindop explains what can be interpreted from today’s experimental statistics, why they shouldn’t be compared to population figures and ongoing improvements to build and refine them.

Read more on Experimental migration data: No evidence of UK exodus