The surge in immigration to Britain in 2022 is expected to be a record, largely driven by the war in the Middle East, economic growth in Britain and the UK’s welcoming policy towards refugees, according to the Migration Observatory, a research and policy centre based at the University of Oxford.
British immigration figures rose 6.1% in 2021, to the highest level since 2007. This level is expected to reach a record high in 2022; an additional 110,000 people are expected to come to the UK, a 10% increase from 2021.
The Migration Observatory found that the majority of those expected to come to the UK in 2022 are likely to be international students, professionals seeking higher-skilled jobs, and asylum seekers fleeing instability in the Middle East. The war in the Middle East has created a global refugee crisis, with the United Nations estimates indicating there are currently 70 million displaced people in the world. This crisis has led to an increase in the number of people attempting to immigrate to Britain, either through legal pathways or through illegal means.
In addition to the war in the Middle East, the British economy is also growing and creating more opportunities for immigrants. The Office of National Statistics estimates that GDP growth will reach 3.8% in 2022 and continue to increase regularly in the near future. This economic boom has created an attractive proposition for international workers and is expected to fuel net migration to the UK.
Furthermore, the UK’s welcoming policy towards refugees is also expected to explain the high level of immigration in 2022. The UK is committed to resettling up to 20,000 Syrian refugees over the course of the next five years. Additionally, the government also plans on reducing the salary cap for non-EU skilled workers and is set to allow up to 10,000 unaccompanied child refugees to come to the UK. This policy is likely to incentivise more people looking for a safe haven in the UK.
Overall, the surge in immigration to Britain in 2022 is expected to be a record high, driven by larger economic growth, the war in the Middle East, and the UK’s welcoming refugee policy. This influx of immigrants will bring with them a variety of talents and skills, further supporting Britain’s economy and society.