National statistics

Immigration statistics, April to June 2012 (third edition)

Published 30 August 2012

This is not the latest release. View latest release.

1. Summary points, quarter 2 2012

(All data relate to year ending June 2012; comparisons are with previous 12 months unless indicated)

  • Study (excluding student visitors), Work and Family visas issued fell 30%, 7% and 10% (to 213,836, 147,385 and 45,290), to the lowest recorded levels using comparable data available from 2005. The recent falls for work and study are likely to be partly due to policy changes, which came into effect from 2011.
  • There was a 2% increase in total admissions to 106.4 million continuing the increase since the year ending September 2010 (101.4 million), and thought to reflect, to a large extent, trends in international tourism.
  • There were 19,959 asylum applications, a rise of 6%. The peak number of applicants was in the year ending December 2002 (84,132).
  • There were 1% more enforced removals (15,014). The number of passengers refused entry at port and who subsequently departed fell by 15% to 14,116 and total voluntary departures increased by 2% to 25,585, though retrospective checks on departures will increase this figure.
  • A total of 28,242 people entered detention, an increase of 7%.
  • In the second quarter of 2012 60 children entered detention, up from a low point of 19 in the first quarter of 2011, but remaining much lower than the peak of 322 in the third quarter of 2009.

2. Data tables: immigration statistics, April to June 2012

3. Work

Valid: 30 August to 29 November 2012

3.1 Introduction

This topic brief describes non-EEA nationals who are coming to the UK to work or who are in the UK for work. It explains trends in the numbers of such people who are granted visas, admissions (number of journeys), immigration (those intending to stay for at least 12 months), granted extensions to stay, or who are given permission to stay permanently (known as settlement). 

This topic brief also presents new data for the industry sectors of those being granted visas or extensions, based on documents provides by sponsors and used in applications.

3.2 Key facts

In the year ending June 2012, there were 7% and 1% falls for work-related visas (147,385) and permissions to stay permanently (68,974) compared with the previous 12 months, and a 7% increase in work-related extensions of stay. There were 9% and 11% annual falls in the calendar year 2011 (the latest available data) for work-related admissions (149,000) and immigration (47,000).

Recent falls for work are likely to be partly due to policy changes which came into effect from 2011 (see below and the User Guide).  The 147,385 visas issued for work in the year ending June 2012 was the lowest 12 monthly total recorded using comparable data available from 2005.

The 7% annual fall for work-related visas ( 10,792) was largely a result of  lower numbers issued to highly skilled individuals (Tier 1) and their dependants, (falling from 30,830 to 21,400), which in turn was mainly due to the closure of the Tier 1 ‘general’ route in December 2010. There was a 2% increase in visas issued for skilled individuals (Tier 2) from 66,472 to 67,733.

Certificates of sponsorship are issued by employers to support applications for work-related visas and for extensions of stay. In the year ending June 2012 there were 40,486 certificates of sponsorship used in applications for work visas as skilled individuals (Tier 2), mainly related to the Information and Communication (17,338), Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities (7,571) or Financial and Insurance Activities (5,400) sectors.

The majority of the 39,380 certificates used for youth mobility and temporary workers (Tier 5) related to the Arts, Entertainment and Recreation sectors (28,619).

Trends in work-related grants of visas, extensions and permissions to stay permanently, and work-related admissions and (non-EU) immigration.

The chart shows the trends for work of visas issued, admissions and International Passenger Survey (IPS) estimates of non-EU immigration, extensions and work-related permissions to stay permanently (settlement) from year ending December 2005 to year ending June 2012. The data are sourced from Tables be.04.q, ad.02.q, ex.01.q and se.02.q. Estimates from the IPS are available from the Office for National Statistics.

Chart notes

Source: Home Office, immigration statistics April - June 2012, Before entry table be.04.q, Admissions table ad.02.q, Extensions table ex.01.q and Settlement table se.02.q; Office for National Statistics.

The above chart shows that International Passenger Survey (IPS) estimates of non-EU immigration are substantially lower than work-related visas and admissions. However, the IPS estimates follow a broadly similar trend with increases in all 3 series between 2005 and 2006, followed by subsequent falls. 2 reasons why IPS estimates of immigrants for work are lower than figures for work visas issued or passenger arrivals are that the IPS figures exclude any workers who intend to stay for less than a year and the admissions and visas data include dependants. Further reasons are described in the User Guide.

Top 10 non-EEA nationalities granted visas for work, year 2011 (Total 149,221)

Top 10 non-EEA nationalities granted visas for work, year 2011 (Total 149,221).

Top 10 non-EEA nationalities granted visas for work, year 2011 (Total 149,221).

Chart notes

Source: Home Office, immigration statistics April - June 2012, Before entry table be.06.w.

For work-related visas and admissions the highest numbers relate to Indian, USA and Australian nationals. The top 10 nationalities are the same, apart from a difference in the tenth place (Nigeria is tenth for admissions), though the order differs.

Some of the differences in the ranking between visas and admissions data may be due to timing differences e.g. some visas granted in 2011 may be used in 2012. Additionally some individuals admitted within the  creative and sporting category (part of Tier 5) do not need a visa, and this largely explains the higher number of admissions (estimated 26,000) seen for United States nationals.

Top 10 nationalities granted an extension to stay for work, 2011 (excludes dependants) (Total 96,798)

Top 10 nationalities granted an extension to stay for work, 2011 (excludes dependants) (Total 96,798).

The chart shows grants of extension of stay by nationality in 2011. The chart is based on data in Table ex.02.w.

Chart notes

Source: Home Office, immigration statistics April - June 2012, Work table ex.02.w.

The nationality breakdown for those granted extensions is in some respects different to the top ten nationalities rankings for admissions and for visas, notably with Nigeria, Turkey, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka accounting for the third, fifth, 8h and ninth highest number of extensions for work.

Analysing the data further (table ex.02.w) the main explanation is that most of these Nigerian, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan nationals were granted extensions as highly skilled individuals under the (Tier 1) Post study route. Since they originally entered via a study route, they are not prominent in the nationality rankings for work-related admissions and visas. Turkish nationals also have special provision to switch into the ‘work route’ under the European Community Association Agreement with Turkey.

3.3 Permission to stay permanently (Settlement)

Some individuals who are admitted to the UK to work can become eligible to stay permanently after 5 years.

The latest data show that work-related grants of permission to stay permanently fell by 1% to 68,974 in year ending June 2012, compared with the previous 12 months, having fallen back from 92,176 in year ending June 2010. This decrease follows a broadly rising trend in work-related grants that had partly reflected an increase in the number of people admitted in work categories 5 years earlier. The dip in the number of work-related grants in 2006 and 2007 reflect a change in the qualifying period from 4 to 5 years, delaying grants that would otherwise have occurred earlier.

The nationality breakdown for grants of permission to stay permanently is slightly different. 7 of the top ten nationalities were also in the top ten nationalities granted visas for work. A notable difference was South Africa, ranked third. Analysing the data further (table se.03) reveals that the most common of the qualifying categories for South Africans was ‘Commonwealth citizens with a United Kingdom born Grandparent taking or seeking employment’.

3.4 Certificates of Sponsorship data (skilled individuals (Tier 2) and youth mobility and temporary workers (Tier 5))

As part of the application process for visas and extensions, individuals must obtain a certificate of sponsorship from an employer. This release contains new tables (cs.01 to cs.05, see the [Before Entry tables][(http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research-statistics/research-statistics/immigration-asylum-research/immigration-tabs-q2-2012/before-entry1-q2-2012-tabs)) providing information on the number of employers registered and their sponsor rating. The new tables also provide data on the nationality, and industry sector of those using certificates. More detailed information on visas and extensions are given in the [Before Entry][(http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research-statistics/research-statistics/immigration-asylum-research/immigration-q2-2012/before-entry-q2-2012) and [Extensions][(http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research-statistics/research-statistics/immigration-asylum-research/immigration-q2-2012/extensions-q2-2012) topics.

Register

On 29 June 2012 there were 31,860 employers on UKBA’s register. Of these 28,034 employers were on the register for sponsoring skilled individuals (Tier 2) and 3,826 employers for sponsoring youth mobility and temporary workers (Tier 5). The 31,860 total was slightly (1%) higher than 30 March 2012 (31,489) continuing the increase seen since 30 September 2011 (29,914). An employer may be counted more than once in the total if registered separately to sponsor both Tier 2 and Tier 5 individuals.

Skilled individuals (Tier 2)

In the year ending June 2012, there were 2% more certificates used in applications for visas as skilled individuals than the previous 12 months (from 39,733 to 40,486). The majority of the 40,486 certificates related to the Information and Communication (17,338, up 5%), Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities (7,571, up 12%) or Financial and Insurance Activities (5,400, down 3%) sectors. These 3 sectors also accounted for nearly half (47%) of the 22,041 certificates used for applications for extensions.

Youth mobility and temporary workers (Tier 5)

In the year ending June 2012, there were 3% more certificates used in applications for visas as youth mobility and temporary workers than the previous 12 months (from 38,090 to 39,380). The large majority of these 39,380 certificates related to the Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (28,619, up 2%), and Education (4,125, up 15%) sectors. The total number of extensions in the year ending June 2012 for Tier 5 was 351, the relatively small numbers reflecting the rules relating to extensions for such workers.

3.5 Data tables

Data on immigration for work, sourced from Home Office administrative systems, can be found in the following tables:

3.6 About the figures

There are a range of measures that can be used to monitor those, subject to immigration control, coming to the United Kingdom to work. These include:

  • issues of visas for entry clearance, providing information of those intending to come;
  • admissions data, providing information on migrants at the border;
  • numbers of people allocated national insurance numbers, providing an indication of migrants entering the labour market; and
  • estimates on non-EU immigration from the International Passenger Survey (IPS) on migrants intending to stay for at least a year for work purposes.

In addition, grants of (in-country) extensions of stay for work purposes provide information on migrants in-country, while work-related grants of settlement provides a measure of longer-term migration.

Trends in extensions and in permission to stay permanently will depend on admissions and immigration in previous years.

Figures for immigration in this topic relates to non-EU nationals whilst other figures (visas, admissions, extensions, permission to stay permanently) relate to non-EEA nationals.

These various statistics and research can appear to give different pictures of immigration for work. Often this is because the latest data for different measures cover different time periods.  In addition, they also count different aspects of the immigration process, with some showing intentions or permissions, while others show actual events.

The Before Entry, Admissions and Settlement sections of the User Guide to Home Office Immigration Statistics includes a discussion on the differences between the various data sources presented on immigration for work.

For information on changes to legislation affecting those entering the UK for work see the user guide.

Data includes dependants unless stated otherwise.

The user guide provides further details on the topics related to work including, definitions used, how figures are compiled, data quality and issues arising from figures being based on data sourced from an administrative database or from surveys. The Work section details changes made in immigration legislation affecting these data including the closure in December 2010 of the Tier 1 (General) category for new applicants for entry clearance, and changes to Tier 1 (highly skilled) and Tier 2 (skilled) from April 2011.

Figures for entry clearance visas are Official Statistics and have not been designated as National Statistics. For details about the quality of the data relating to these figures please see the user guide.

All data for 2010 and 2011 are provisional, except for IPS estimates which have been finalised for 2010.

Figures for admissions and immigration are estimates rounded to the nearest thousand.

Office for National Statistics international publishes migration statistics on those migrating for work, and labour market statistics (including employment rates and changes by country of birth and by nationality) can be found at International Migration and Labour Market.

National Insurance Number Allocations to Adult Overseas Nationals entering the UK are published by the Department for Work and Pensions. On 20 January 2012, the department published a report on ‘Nationality at point of National Insurance number registration of DWP benefit claimants: February 2011 working age benefits’. 

Migration Advisory Committee reports and publications.

Salt, J., 2011, International Migration and the United Kingdom: Report of the United Kingdom SOPEMI Correspondent to the OECD, 2011, London: Migration Research Unit.

4. Study

Valid: 30 August to 29 November 2012

4.1 Introduction

This topic briefing focuses on non-EEA nationals who are subject to immigration control and who come to the UK to study or who are in the UK to study.

For those students subject to immigration control, administrative information is available on visas, extensions to stay as well as records of student admissions (number of journeys).  The International Passenger Survey (IPS), run by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), also provides estimates of all students arriving in the UK with the intention of staying for a year or more.

4.2 Key facts

Most recent data for the year ending June 2012 (213,836) show there has been a 30% decrease in the number of visas issued for study in comparison with the year ending June 2011 (304,507). Admissions of those for the purposes of study in 2011 (267,000) have also fallen by 10% compared to 2010 (296,000). ONS estimates for student migration for 2011 (181,000) are similar to those for 2010 (180,000). Entry clearance visas provide the most up-to-date picture of immigration.

Falls in the number of visas issued for the purposes of study is consistent with significant changes to the student visas system from April 2011 following a major public consultation on reforming Tier 4 of the points-based system.

Figures for entry clearance visas are Official Statistics and have not been designated as National Statistics. For details about the quality of the data relating to these figures please see the User Guide to Home Office Immigration Statistics .

Across the available range of data sources for non-EU nationals, entering the UK for study has been the most common reason for coming to the UK since 2006. Between 2005 and the early part of 2011 figures from entry clearance visas, admission and estimates from the IPS for non-EU Nationals all showed a rise in student immigration.  However, there are now signs that student immigration may have peaked as figures across the range of data sources have all seen decreases since peaks in 2010.

Long term comparison of sources of data on student immigration

Long term comparison of sources of data on student immigration.

The chart shows the trends of visas issued, passenger arrivals and International Passenger Survey (IPS) estimates of immigration for study between year ending December 2005 and the latest data published. The data are sourced from Tables be.04.q and ad.02.q. Estimates from the IPS are available from the Office for National Statistics.

Chart notes

Source: Home Office, immigration statistics April – June 2012, Before entry table be.04.q and Admissions table ad.02.q; Office for National Statistics.
(1) Excludes dependants and student visitors for greater consistency with non-EU immigration estimates based on the International Passenger Survey
(2) For periods prior to the year ending September 2008, the count of student arrivals is not comparable with student visas issued. This is because student arrival numbers include short-term students that can be excluded from the visa time series.

The above chart shows that IPS estimates, while being substantially lower, follow a broadly similar trend to student visas issued and passenger arrivals, with steeper increases in all 3 series during 2009. One reason why IPS estimates of students arriving are lower than figures for student visas issued or passenger arrivals is that the IPS figures exclude the many students who intend to stay for less than a year.

Despite the general trend being similar, there are instances where the trends in visas issued, admissions and IPS estimates occasionally diverge. This apparent discrepancy could be due to the potential for a margin of error that is inherent in sample surveys, together with possible changes in the proportion intending to stay for more than a year and the time difference between a visa being issued and the individual arriving.

4.3 Student visitors

Student visitors have a maximum 6-month visa, except in a small number of cases following a recent change in the rules, and have to leave the country in order to apply for further stay.  Therefore they are not counted as long-term migrants or in the extensions of stay data.

In the year ending June 2012, 68,997 people were issued student visitor visas, a 25% increase on the previous year. The number of visas issued to student visitors has increased steadily since 2005 (15,834) and is now at its highest level.

The latest data available on passenger arrivals show that in 2011, 262,000 people (an 9% rise on 2010) were admitted under student visitor rules. Student visitor visas are not required for non-visa nationals (e.g. United States); however, non-visa nationals will be included in the passenger arrivals data as a student visitor. This means that student visitor arrivals are considerably higher than student visitor visas issued (61,381 in the year ending December 2011).

Between 2004 and 2008, the total number of people (including their dependants) admitted for study increased by 27% from 307,000 to 391,000. A significant proportion of this increase may be due to the rules surrounding the introduction of the student visitor category in September 2007, as some coming to study for a short period would have been counted as visitors.

4.4 Visas

Latest quarterly data show that in the year ending June 2012, the number of study entry clearance visas issued was 213,836, a decrease of 30% on a year earlier (304,507).

This fall is consistent with the tightening of the immigration rules for students since April 2011.

4.5 Admissions

Latest data show that the number of student admissions was 267,000 in 2011, a decrease of 28,700 (10%) on 2010.

When considering study (excluding student visitors), since the introduction of the student visitor category, admissions and entry visa numbers follow a similar trend as all those wishing to stay for 6 months or more require a visa.

4.6 Immigration for study

For the year ending December 2011, the provisional IPS estimate for non-EU nationals arriving to study for more than a year (180,000) was little changed on the previous year (181,000).

Source: ONS, Long-Term International Migration.

4.7 Extensions of stay

Latest data show that in the year ending June 2012, the number of extensions of stay granted to those for study was 80,895 a decrease of 31% on a year earlier (116,546). This is again consistent with the tightening of the immigration rules for students since April 2011.

The number of grants of extension for the year ending June 2012 is lower than any comparable period in the current published series.

4.8 Nationalities issued entry clearance visas

Of the total 261,405 people issued visas for the purposes of study in 2011, over half (69% or 179,656) were to Asian nationals.

Top 10 nationalities issued entry clearance visas for the purposes of study, 2011 (Total number of visas issued for the purposes of study 261,405)

Top 10 nationalities issued entry clearance visas for the purposes of study, 2011 (Total number of visas issued for the purposes of study 261,405).

Top 10 nationalities issued entry clearance visas for the purposes of study, 2011 (Total number of visas issued for the purposes of study 261,405).

4.9 Staying in the UK

Research undertaken for the Migrant Journey Analysis showed that, of migrants granted student visas in 2004, 1 in 5 (21%) appears to have remained in the immigration system after five years. The analysis of UK Border Agency data suggests that these were split between those who remained as students (6%), and those granted further stay for work and family reasons (through marriage, for example). Only a small number of those issued with student visas in 2004 had been granted settlement.

Source: Home Office, Migrant Journey Analysis, [Migration research][9].

4.10 Data tables

Data on student immigration, sourced from Home Office administrative systems, can be found in the following tables:

The Office for National Statistics publishes data on student immigration, International Migration.

4.11 About the figures

There are a range of measures that can be used to monitor those, subject to immigration control, coming to the United Kingdom to work. These include:

  • issues of visas for entry clearance, providing information of those intending to come;
  • admissions data, providing information on migrants at the border;
  • estimates on non-EU immigration from the International Passenger Survey (IPS) on migrants intending to stay for at least a year for work purposes.

In addition, grants of (in-country) extensions of stay for study purposes provide information on migrants in-country.

Trends in extensions and in permission to stay permanently will depend on admissions and immigration in previous years.

Figures for immigration in this topic relates to non-EU nationals whilst other figures (visas, admissions, extensions) relate to non-EEA nationals.  
 
The various statistics for those coming to the UK to study can appear to give different pictures of student immigration. Often this is because the latest data for different measures cover different time periods.  In addition, they also count different aspects of the immigration process, with some showing intentions or permissions, while others show actual events.

The Before Entry, Admissions and Settlement sections of the User Guide to Home Office Immigration Statistics includes a discussion on the differences between the various data sources presented on immigration for work. 

For information on changes to legislation affecting those entering the UK as students see the user guide.

Data includes dependants unless stated otherwise.

The user guide provides further details on the topics relating to study including definitions used, how figures are compiled, data quality and issues arising from figures being estimated from samples or based on data sourced from an administrative database

Figures for entry clearance visas are Official Statistics and have not been designated as National Statistics. For details about the quality of the data relating to these figures please see the user guide.

All data for 2010 and 2011 are provisional, except for IPS estimates which have been finalised for 2010.

Figures for admissions and immigration in this briefing are estimates rounded to the nearest thousand.

The Before Entry and Admissions sections of the user guide include a discussion on the differences between the various data sources presented on immigration for study.

Statistics on students in Higher Education Institutions including analysis of overseas student numbers are available from published statistics released by The Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA) available at Students and qualifiers at UK Higher Education institutions.

5. Family

Valid: 30 August to 29 November 2012

5.1 Introduction

This topic briefing focuses on non-EEA nationals who are subject to immigration control and who come to the UK for family reasons.

For those who are subject to immigration control, administrative information is available on visas, admissions, extensions of stay and permission to stay permanently (known as settlement). These differentiate between the ‘family route’ and dependants of other migrants. The International Passenger Survey (IPS), run by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), provides estimates of all those who state their main reason for migrating to the UK for 12 months or more is to accompany or join someone else  including family members.

5.2 Key facts

Most recent data for the year ending June 2012 show that, the number of entry clearance visas issued to those on the ‘family route’ was 45,290, a decrease of 10% on the year ending June 2011 (50,150). There has also been a 24% fall in the number of visas issued to all other dependants for the year ending June 2012 (72,448) compared with the year ending June 2011 (94,911). Entry clearance visas provide the most up-to-date picture of immigration.

Decreases in the number of visas issued to dependants coming to the UK as family members of those working and studying in the UK are in part consistent with changes to the rules governing visas issued to those and their dependants on the work route from December 2010 and study route from April 2011.

Figures for entry clearance visas are Official Statistics and have not been designated as National Statistics. For details about the quality of the data relating to these figures please see the User Guide to Home Office Immigration Statistics .

ONS estimates for those accompanying or joining others in the UK have fallen by 8% for 2011 (52,000) compared with 2010 (56,000).

Since the year ending December 2005 the various sources of data on family migration have followed a broadly similar trend. Since the year ending March 2011 there have been falls across the range of data sources for those subject to immigration control.

Long-term comparison of sources of data on family immigration

Long-term comparison of sources of data on family immigration

The chart shows the trends of visas issued and International Passenger Survey (IPS) estimates of immigration for family reasons between the year ending December 2005 and the latest data published. The visa data are sourced from Table be.04.q. Estimates from the IPS are available from the Office for National Statistics.

Chart notes

Source: Home Office, immigration statistics April – June 2012, Before entry table be.04.q; Office for National Statistics.
(1) Includes all dependants (e.g. dependants for work and study), except visitors.

IPS estimates of non-EU migrant for those accompanying or joining others in the UK include those arriving on family visas, but also additionally dependants of those arriving for other reasons, such as for work or study. The above chart shows that IPS estimates, while being substantially lower, follow a broadly similar trend to the total for family route visas and other visas issued to dependants. The trend for IPS estimates appears to be similar to figures for family visas alone, however this is coincidental given the scope of information recorded in the corresponding IPS category. A reason why IPS estimates of those arriving are lower than figures for family and dependant visas combined is that the IPS figures exclude the many people who come to the UK but intend to stay for less than a year.

Despite the general trend of IPS estimates being similar to those for visas issued for family reasons there are instances where the trends appears to be different. This apparent discrepancy could be due to the potential for a margin of error that is inherent in sample surveys, together with possible changes in the proportion intending to stay for more than a year, differential trends who state to the IPS that they are accompanying and joining others coming to the UK and the time difference between a visa being issued and the individual arriving.

5.3 Visas

Most recent data show that in the year ending June 2012, the number of entry clearance visas issued to those on the ‘family route’ was 45,290, a decrease of 10% on a year earlier (50,150).

In addition for the year ending June 2012 there was an 8% fall in the number of visas issued for dependants of workers (down from  46,586 to 42,898), 50% fall for dependants of students (down from 33,330 to 16,759) and 15% for all other dependants (down from 14,995 to 12,791).

The number of passengers recorded as entering the country for family reasons are much lower than numbers of visas issued (in 2011 just over 32,000 such admissions were recorded). Some of those that are identifiable as coming for family reasons in the visa data are not identifiable in the arrivals data and are included within ‘Others given leave to enter’.

5.4 Immigration for family reasons

Provisional IPS estimates of non-EU nationals accompanying or coming to join family or friends for a year or more were 52,000 in the year ending December 2011, having been in the range of 51,000 to 61,000 since the year ending December 2008.

Source: ONS, Long-Term International Migration.

5.5 Extensions of stay

Latest data show that in the year ending June 2012, the number of extensions of stay granted to those on the ‘family route’ to settlement was 16,488, a decrease of 11% on a year earlier (18,463), continuing the fall in the previous 2 years. In addition, there were 41,550 dependants of workers, 12,482 dependants of students and 7,081 other dependants.

5.6 Settlement

Family formation and reunion grants of settlement fell by 19% from 58,822 in the year ending June 2011 to 47,401 in the year ending June 2012, a return to similar levels seen in 2007 (50,822).

5.7 Staying in the UK

Research undertaken for the Migrant Journey Analysis showed that, of 63,400 migrants who were granted visas for family reasons (generally on the family route) in 2004, 63% appear to have remained in the immigration system after five years. The analysis of UK Border Agency data suggests that most of those still active in the immigration system had been granted settlement (55% of the total) and a further 6% continued to hold a family visa. The remaining 2% held other types of visa.

Source: Migrant Journey Analysis, Home Office Migration Research.

5.8 Data tables

Data on family immigration, sourced from Home Office administrative systems, can be found in the following tables:

The Office for National Statistics publishes estimates of those coming to join or accompany others at International Migration.

5.9 About the figures

There are a range of measures that can be used to monitor those, subject to immigration control, coming to the United Kingdom to work. These include:

  • issues of visas for entry clearance, providing information of those intending to come;
  • admissions data, providing information on migrants at the border;
  • estimates on non-EU immigration from the International Passenger Survey (IPS) on migrants intending to stay for at least a year for work purposes.

In addition, grants of (in-country) extensions of stay granted to those on the ‘family route’ provide information on migrants in-country.

Trends in extensions and in permission to stay permanently will depend on admissions and immigration in previous years.

There are a number of ways that allow people to come to the United Kingdom for family reasons. The traditional ‘family route’ is made up of those coming to join or accompany family members who are British Citizens or settled people. This includes married or unmarried partners, including same-sex partners; children; and elderly relatives. Others come as dependants of people who have not been granted the right to stay permanently, including the family members of those working or studying in the United Kingdom and of refugees. There are also those who come for a short time to visit family members.

Figures for immigration in this topic relates to non-EU nationals whilst other figures (visas, admissions, extensions) relate to non-EEA nationals.

The various statistics for those coming to the UK for family reasons can appear to give different pictures of family immigration. Often this is because the latest data for different measures cover different time periods.  In addition, they also count different aspects of the immigration process, with some showing intentions or permissions, while others show actual events.

The Before Entry, Admissions and Settlement sections of the user guide includes a discussion on the differences between the various data sources presented on immigration for work. 

For information on changes to legislation affecting those entering the UK for family reasons see the user guide.

The user guide provides further details on the topics relating to family including definitions used, how figures are compiled, data quality and issues arising from figures being estimated from samples or based on data sourced from an administrative database

Figures for entry clearance visas are Official Statistics and have not been designated as National Statistics. For details about the quality of the data relating to these figures please see the user guide.

All data for 2010 and 2011 are provisional, except for IPS estimates which have been finalised for 2010. 

Figures for admissions and immigration in this briefing are estimates rounded to the nearest thousand.

Information on numbers of non-EEA family members of EEA nationals who exercise rights to stay in the country is available in the European Economic Area topic.

The Before Entry, Admissions and Settlement sections of the user guide includes a discussion on the differences between the various data sources presented on immigration for family reasons.

6. Before entry

Valid: 30 August to 29 November 2012

6.1 Introduction

The figures in this topic brief relate to the number of applications and issues of entry clearance visas and the number of passengers refused entry at ports.

6.2 Key facts

Excluding visitor and transit visas, the number of visas issued fell to 519,730 in the year ending June 2012, the lowest 12-monthly total recorded using comparable data available from 2005. This was 16% lower than the year ending June 2011 (616,184).

In the year ending June 2012, work-related visas issued fell 7% compared with the previous 12 months to 147,385, the lowest levels recorded using comparable data. Over the same period study visas issued (excluding student visitors) fell 30% to 213,836, and family visas issued fell 10% to 45,290.  The recent falls for work and study are likely to be partly due to policy changes, which came into effect from 2011 for these reasons for entry to the UK.

By contrast, there was a 25% increase in student visit visas issued to a record 68,997 in the year ending June 2012 compared with the previous 12 months. Student visit visas are for short-term study and cannot be extended.

The number of passengers refused entry at port has fallen 11% in the year ending June 2012 to 15,810 from 17,709 in the previous 12 months, continuing the falls over the last 7 years (from 32,776 in the year ending June 2005).

Visas issued by reason (excluding visitor and transit visas)

Year Total issued, of which: Work Study Family Dependant joining/accompanying Other
Year ending June 2008 569,850 182,249 213,449 58,161 46,727 32,304
Year ending June 2009 550,637 175,759 227,874 49,456 27,007 30,543
Year ending June 2010 616,654 154,617 320,184 51,406 15,407 33,181
Year ending June 2011 616,184 158,177 304,507 50,150 14,995 33,297
Year ending June 2012 519,730 147,385 213,836 45,290 12,791 31,431
Change: latest 12 months -96,454 -10,792 -90,671 -4,860 -2,204 -1,866
Percentage change -16% -7% -30% -10% -15% -6%

Table Note (1) Excludes student visitors who are allowed to come to the UK for 6 months (or 11 months if they will be studying an English Language course) and cannot extend their stay. The student visitor category was introduced in 2007 and may include individuals previously recorded as visitors, so for consistency and comparability over time they have been excluded from study-related totals.

Long term trends in visas issued (excluding visitor and transit visas).

The chart shows the number of entry clearance visas issued, excluding visitor and transit visas, between 2005 and the latest rolling year available. The data are available in Table be.04.q.

Chart notes

Source: Home Office, immigration statistics April - June 2012, based on data in Before Entry table be.04.q.
Chart Note (1) Excludes student visitors who are allowed to come to the UK for 6 months (or 11 months if they will be studying an English Language course) and cannot extend their stay. The student visitor category was introduced in 2007 and may include individuals previously recorded as visitors, so for consistency and comparability over time they have been excluded from study-related totals.

Detailed briefing on the trends of visas issued for work, study or family reasons (together with dependants joining / accompanying) are available in the Work, Study and Family topics.

6.3 Visas issued by nationality

Excluding visitors and transit visas, over half (57% or 320,790) of the total 564,156 people issued entry clearance visas in 2011 were Asian nationals and a further 12% (64,989) were nationals of the Americas.

Top 10 nationalities – visas issued, 2011 (excludes visitors and transit) (Total number of visas issued: 564,156)

Top 10 nationalities – visas issued, 2011 (excludes visitors and transit) (Total number of visas issued: 564,156).

The chart shows visas issued by nationality in 2011. The chart is based on data in Table be.06 and be.06.o.]

Chart notes

Source: Home Office, immigration statistics April – June 2012, Before entry table be.06 and be.06.o.

6.4 Data tables

Further data on before entry are available in Before entry tables be.01 to be.07.

6.5 About these figures

Before travelling to the United Kingdom, a person may be required to apply for and be issued with an entry clearance visa, depending on their nationality, purpose of visit and intended length of stay. On arrival at UK ports, or UK border controls in France and Belgium (often termed ‘juxtaposed’ controls), all individuals have to satisfy a UK Border Agency officer that they have the right to enter the country before being admitted to the UK.

Passengers refused entry relates to non-asylum cases dealt with at ports of entry.

The User Guide to Home Office Immigration Statistics provides further details on this topic including definitions used, how figures are compiled, data quality and issues arising from figures being based on data sourced from an administrative database.

The data in this briefing include dependants, unless stated otherwise. Data prior to 2005 are not comparable.

Figures for entry clearance visas are Official Statistics and have not been designated as National Statistics. For details about the quality of the data relating to these figures please see the user guide.

Information on passengers refused entry and subsequently removed are available in the Removals and voluntary departures topic.

The ‘Before entry’ section of the user guide includes a discussion on the differences between entry clearance visas and other data sources including: passenger arrivals; long-term international migration estimates of immigration published by the Office for National Statistics and differences between appeals on visa decisions published by the Home Office and the HM Courts and Tribunals Service.

Data on migration applications decided within published standards and the cost per decision for all permanent and temporary migration applications are published as Official Statistics by the UKBA as part of their key input and impact indicators, [UK Border Agency Our Performance][(http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/our-performance/).

7. Admissions

Valid: 30 August to 29 November 2012

7.1 Introduction

The figures in this topic brief relate to the number of journeys made by people entering the United Kingdom. Where an individual enters the country more than once, each arrival is counted. For non-EEA nationals who are subject to immigration control, more detailed information is available on the purpose of their journey and nationality.

7.2 Key facts

The total number of admissions rose 2% to 106.4 million in the year ending June 2012 compared with the previous 12 months (104.5 million), continuing the increase since the year ending September 2010 (101.4 million), and thought to reflect, to a large extent, trends in international tourism.

The 2% increase in total admissions in the latest 12 months was more than accounted for by an extra 2.2 million journeys (93.5 million in total) by British, other EEA and Swiss nationals, continuing increases for these nationals since the year ending June 2010 (88.2 million). By contrast  there were, correspondingly, 0.2 million fewer journeys (-2% or 12.8 million) by non-EEA nationals which followed an increase from 12.0 million in the year ending June 2010 to 13.0 million in the year ending June 2011.

For non-EEA nationals the latest more detailed data by purpose of journey, for 2011, showed a 7% increase to 13.3 million (13% of total admissions). This was almost wholly due to a 12% increase in visitors from 7.0 million to 7.9 million, and there was also a 9% increase (from 240,000 to 262,000) for student visitors. There were falls of 9%, 10% and 14% for the work, study and family categories, which may reflect policy changes for the work and study routes which came into effect during 2011.

Admissions by purpose of journey - non-EEA nationals

Year Total admissions of which: Work Study Family Visitors Other
2007 13.4 million 204,000 375,000 52,700 7.6 million 5.2 million
2008 12.6 million 183,000 248,000 45,400 7.0 million 5.0 million
2009 12.3 million 161,000 291,000 36,600 6.9 million 4.8 million
2010 12.5 million 163,000 296,000 37,400 7.0 million 4.7 million
2011 13.3 million 149,000 267,000 32,200 7.9 million 4.7 million
Change: latest year. 0.8 million -14,400 -28,700 -5,140 0.9 million -0.1 million
Percentage change 7% -9% -10% -14% 12% 0%

Table Note (1) Excludes student visitors who are allowed to come to the UK for 6 months (or 11 months if they will be studying an English Language course) and cannot extend their stay. The student visitor category was introduced in 2007 and may include individuals previously recorded as visitors, so for consistency and comparability over time they have been excluded from study-related totals.

Long-term trends in admissions.

The chart shows the total number of journeys made into the United Kingdom by broad nationality between 2004 and the latest calendar year available. The data are available in Table ad.01.

Chart notes

Source: Home Office, immigration statistics April – June 2012, Admissions table ad.01.

7.3 Non-EEA nationalities admitted to the UK

United States nationals accounted for more than a quarter (28%) of the 13.3 million journeys by non-EEA nations into the United Kingdom. The top 10 nationalities accounted for 69% of all journeys made.

Top 10 nationalities admitted, 2011 (Total number of admissions 13.3 million)

Top 10 nationalities admitted, 2011 (Total number of admissions 13.3 million).

The chart shows admissions by nationality in 2011. The chart is based on data in Table ad.03.

7.4 Data tables

Further data on admissions are available in Admissions tables ad.01 to ad.03.

7.5 About the figures

All people admitted are subject to immigration control except British, other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals.

Most data in this briefing are rounded to 3 significant figures. All data include dependants.

For arriving passengers subject to immigration control, who have previously obtained leave to enter, the journey is recorded as ‘returning after a temporary absence abroad’. Due to the volume of passengers arriving at Heathrow and Gatwick some data are estimated from monthly samples.

Some major components of the total (visitors, passengers returning and passengers in transit) reflect, to a large extent, trends in international tourism. The number of other admissions (for example, for work, study or family reasons) are likely to reflect trends in international migration and related policy and legislative changes affecting those subject to immigration control, for example changes in immigration legislation, enlargement of the European Union, and the introduction of the points-based system for work and study in 2008 and 2009 respectively.

Total passenger arrival data are available up to the year ending June 2012 (Table ad.01 q); data on the purpose of journey (e.g. visit, work, study) and data for individual nationalities are available up to the calendar year 2011 (Tables ad. 02 and ad.03). More detailed data on passenger arrivals to the year ending June 2012 will be available in future editions.

The User Guide to Home Office Immigration Statistics provides further details on this topic including definitions used, how figures are compiled, data quality and issues arising from figures being estimated from samples.

Further briefing on those arriving who are not subject to immigration control is available in the European Economic Area (EEA) topic.

The ‘Admissions section’ of the user guide includes a discussion on the differences between passenger arrivals and long-term international migration estimates of immigration published by the Office for National Statistics. A comparison between passenger arrivals and entry clearance visas is provided in the ‘Before entry’ section.

Further information on visitors to the United Kingdom is published by the Office for National Statistics in ‘Overseas Travel and Tourism - February 2012’.

Historical data on travel trends from 1980 to 2011 was published in the ONS’s bulletin ‘Travel trends 2011’.

Data on the clearance of passengers at the border within published standards and the cost of passengers cleared at the border are published as official statistics by the UK Border Agency as part of their key input and impact indicators, UK Border Agency Our Performance.

Date: Thu Aug 30 09:30:00 BST 2012

8. Asylum part 1: applications, initial decisions and outcome

Valid: 30 August to 29 November 2012

8.1 Introduction

This is part one of 3 of the topic briefing on asylum. Asylum is when someone applies for protection from persecution or fear of persecution in their own country. The UK Border Agency then decides whether the application is legitimate.

This briefing covers asylum applications, initial decisions and outcome analysis.  The second covers asylum appeals, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and age disputes.  The final briefing covers asylum support, resettlement and international comparisons.

8.2 Key facts

In the year ending June 2012 there were 19,959 asylum applications, a rise of 1,136 (6%) from the previous 12-month period. This had followed a slight increase in the previous year. The peak number of applications was in the year ending December 2002 (84,132).

The number of initial decisions on asylum applications, has fallen 12% (-2,206) to 16,729. The proportion of applicants granted asylum or a form of temporary protection (humanitarian protection or discretionary leave) at initial decision has increased to 35% (5,807) in the latest 12 months. This coincides with a large proportionate increase in the number of grants to nationals of Iran. In the year ending June 2012 there were 1,127 grants of asylum or a form of temporary protection to nationals of Iran compared with 863 in the year ending June 2011.

Asylum applications and initial decisions for main applicants

Total applications Initial decisions of which: Granted asylum/HP/DL Refused
Year ending June 2009 27,997 20,705 6,694 (32%) 14,011 (68%)
Year ending June 2010 18,719 23,924 5,545 (23%) 18,379 (77%)
Year ending June 2011 18,823 18,935 5,365 (28%) 13,570 (72%)
Year ending June 2012 19,959 16,729 5,807 (35%) 10,922 (65%)
Change: latest 12 months 1,136 -2,206 442 -2,648
Percentage change 6% -12% 8% -20%

The chart below shows the number of asylum applications made for calendar years back to 2001.

Long term trends in asylum applications, 2001 -2011.

The chart shows the number of asylum applications made between 2001 and the latest calendar year. The data are available in Table as.01.

Chart notes

Source: Home Office, immigration statistics April -June 2012, Asylum table as.01.
(1) A process preventing certain nationalities from appealing a decision while in the country (non-suspensive appeals process) was introduced in 2002.
(2) Juxtaposed controls, full immigration controls operated by UK immigration officers, were opened in France and Belgium in 2002 and 2004.
(3) Fast-track facilities for asylum applications were introduced in 2003.

Asylum applications were up 11% in 2011 (19,865) compared with 2010 (17,916), although the annual number of applications remains low relative to the 2002 peak with only 2010 having a lower annual figure.

Falls in asylum applications since 2002 coincide with the introduction in 2002 of a process preventing certain nationalities from appealing a decision while in the country, the opening of UK border controls (often termed ‘juxtaposed’ controls) in France and Belgium in 2002 and 2004 respectively and the introduction of fast-track facilities for asylum applications in 2003.

8.3 Nationalities applying for asylum

World events have an effect on which nationals are applying for asylum at any particular time. Recent political unrest in Libya appears to have led to a substantial increase in asylum applications from Libyan nationals in 2011 (722 applications compared to 90 in 2010), although numbers of applications fell during the second quarter of 2012 to just 50 compared with 365 in the second quarter of 2011, reflecting a more stable situation in Libya.

Top ten nationalities applying for asylum, 2011 (Total number of applications 19,865)

Top 10 nationalities applying for asylum, 2011 (Total number of applications 19,865)

The chart shows the number of asylum applications by nationality made in 2011. The data are available in Table as.01.

Chart notes

Source: Home Office, immigration statistics April -June 2012, Asylum table as.01.

Most applications are made by those already in the country (88% of applications in 2011) rather than people arriving at port.

Most applications are made by young males. Of applicants in 2011, over half (58%) were between the ages of 21 to 34 and 73% were male.

Outcome of asylum applications, by year of application

Outcome of asylum applications, by year of application.

The chart shows the outcome of asylum applications made between 2004 and the latest calendar year as at May 2011. The data are available in Table as.06.

Chart notes

Source: Home Office, immigration statistics April -June 2012, Asylum table as.06.

Following through the 19,865 main applicants who applied for asylum in 2011, as at May 2012 when the statistics were compiled, an estimated 7,347 (37%) had been granted asylum, humanitarian protection or discretionary leave at either initial decision or appeal; 9,948 (50%) cases had been refused; and a further 2,570 (13%) were awaiting confirmation of an initial decision. The overall proportion of applications either granted asylum or a form of temporary protection at initial decision or having an appeal allowed, was estimated to be 26% in 2004; and the proportion gradually increased year -on -year to 39% in 2009.

The increase in applications and grants of asylum in 2008 and 2009 compared to earlier years is related to the large number of nationals of Zimbabwe applying for asylum in late 2008 and early 2009. Of the 5,613 main asylum applicants from Zimbabwe in 2009, 3,128 (56%) were granted asylum, humanitarian protection or discretionary leave at either initial decision or appeal and 2,395 cases were refused.

8.4 Applications pending

At the end of June 2012, 11,819 applications received since April 2006 from main applicants were pending a decision (initial decision, appeal or further review), 6% fewer at the end of June 2011.

8.5 Data tables

8.6 About the figures

The User Guide to Home Office Immigration Statistics provides further details on this topic including definitions used, how figures are compiled, data quality and issues arising from figures being based on data sourced from an administrative database.

One person (the main applicant) can apply for asylum on behalf of themselves and others (dependants). This briefing excludes numbers of dependants, unless stated otherwise.

All data for 2011 and 2012 are provisional.

Figures prior to 2005 can be found on the historical datasets page for some asylum tables.

Numbers of asylum applicants removed are available in the ‘Removals and voluntary departures’ topic.

The UK Border Agency publishes data on asylum performance framework measures and the size of the controlled archive, UK Border Agency Our Performance.

Date: Thu Aug 30 09:30:00 BST 2012

9. Asylum part 2: appeals, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, age disputes and dependants

Valid: 30 August to 29 November 2012

9.1 Introduction

This is part 2 of 3 of the topic briefing on asylum. Asylum is when someone applies for protection from persecution or fear of persecution in their own country. The UK Border Agency then decides whether the application is legitimate.

This briefing covers appeals, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASCs) and age disputes. The first covers [asylum applications, initial decisions and outcome analysis. The final briefing covers [asylum support, resettlement and international comparisons.

9.2 Asylum appeals

The HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) (formerly Tribunals Service Immigration and Asylum and the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT)), an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice, hears and decides appeals against decisions made by the UK Border Agency. It consists of the First-tier Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber and Upper Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber (FTTIAC and UTIAC). The First-tier Tribunal Judge will decide whether the appeal against the decision is successful or not (this is known as the decision being ‘allowed’ or ‘dismissed’).

The HM Courts and Tribunals Service received 8,713 asylum appeals from main applicants in the latest 12 months, continuing the falls over the last 2 years (from 16,560 in the year ending June 2010). The fall coincides with a similar sized fall in the number of refusals at initial decision over the same period.

In the latest 12 months the proportion of appeals dismissed was 67% and allowed was 27%, the remainder were withdrawals.

Asylum appeals received and determined for main applicants

 Year  Appeals received  Total appeals determined of which:  Allowed  Dismissed  Withdrawn
 Year ending June 2009  10,794  10,089  2,628 (26%)  7,040 (70%)  421 (4%)  
 Year ending June 2010  16,560  16,032  4,678 (29%)  10,746 (67%)  608 (4%)  
 Year ending June 2011  11,991  12,539  3,362 (27%)  8,495 (68%)  682 (5%)  
 Year ending June 2012  8,713  9,090  2,410 (27%)  6,110 (67%)  570 (6%)  
 Change: latest 12 months  -3,278  -3,449  -952  -2,385  -112  
 Percentage change  -27%  -28%  -28%  -28%  -16%  

In 2011, a total of 9,986 main applicants requested an asylum appeal, a 28% decrease compared to 2010 (13,928). Data from the UK Border Agency sources are currently only available back to 2007, but data published by the HM Courts and Tribunals Service suggest that 2010 saw the most cases determined since 2005.

9.4 Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children

An unaccompanied asylum-seeking child (UASC) is a person under 18, applying for asylum on his or her own right, who is separated from both parents and is not being cared for by an adult who by law has responsibility to do so. The figures presented here consist of all those unaccompanied children who go on to claim asylum and so can include some cases where an unaccompanied child at a later date makes a claim when over 18.

UASC annual applications continue to fall and fell by 19% between 2010 (1,717 applications) and 2011. This decreasing trend has been influenced by falling applications from nationals of Afghanistan. In 2011, 7% (1,398) of main applicants were UASCs. Almost a third (29%) of UASC applications were made by male nationals of Afghanistan; and overall 82% (1,149) of applications were from male applicants.

A total of 1,353 initial decisions were made on UASC applications in 2011, a decrease of 43% compared to 2010 (2,359).

9.5 Age disputes

The UK Border Agency disputes the age of some asylum applicants, who claim to be children. In 2011, 374 individuals had their age disputed, a decrease of 24% compared with 2010 (489) and a decrease of 67% compared with 2009 (1,129). Of the 354 individuals, 30% (112) were nationals of Afghanistan.

9.6 Dependants

One person (the main applicant) can apply for asylum on behalf of themselves and others (dependants). A dependant is an asylum seeker’s spouse or any dependent child of the asylum seeker or spouse who is under the age of 18.

In 2011, the 19,865 asylum applications received accounted for 25,898 individuals when dependants were included; an average of one dependant for every 3 main applicants. Comparing the ten nationalities with the highest number of main applicants in 2011, the ratios of dependants to main applicants ranges from one dependant for every 27 main applicants for nationals of Eritrea to one dependant for every 2 main applicants from Libya.

Initial decisions were made relating to 5,412 dependants in 2011. Of these 1,181 (22%) were granted asylum, 352 (7%) were granted a form of temporary protection, and 3,879 (72%) were refused. The proportion being refused asylum is higher than main applicants in 2011, although lower than the proportion in 2010 (80%).

9.7 Data tables

9.8 About the figures

The user guide provides further details on this topic including definitions used, how figures are compiled, data quality and issues arising from figures being based on data sourced from an administrative database.

One person (the main applicant) can apply for asylum on behalf of themselves and others (dependants). This briefing excludes numbers of dependants, unless stated otherwise.

All data for 2011 and 2012 are provisional.

Figures prior to 2005 can be found on the historical datasets page for some asylum tables.

Numbers of asylum applicants removed are available in the ‘Removals and voluntary departures’ topic.

The UK Border Agency publishes data on asylum performance framework measures and the size of the controlled archive, UK Border Agency Our Performance.

10. Asylum part 3: asylum support, international comparisons and resettlement

Valid: 30 August to 29 November 2012

10.1 Introduction

This is part 3 of 3 of the topic briefing on asylum. Asylum is when someone applies for protection from persecution or fear of persecution in their own country. The UK Border Agency then decides whether the application is legitimate.

This third briefing covers support, resettlement and international comparisons. The first covers asylum applications, initial decisions and outcome analysis. The second covers asylum appeals, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and age disputes.

10.2 Support

As asylum seekers are not normally allowed to work for the first year while their application is being considered, support is available (known as Section 95 support). This may be provided as both accommodation and subsistence, or accommodation or subsistence only. Failed asylum seekers who are not eligible for support under section 95, but are homeless and have reasons that temporarily prevent them from leaving, may be eligible for support (called Section 4).

There were 11,372 support applications in 2011, having fallen from a peak of 68,624 in 2002. The overall falls in support applications and numbers receiving support are in line with falling numbers of asylum applications and the clearance of a backlog of asylum cases from the early part of the decade.

Long-term trends in support applications

The chart shows the total number of support applications between 2002 and the latest calendar year. The data are available in Table as.15.

Numbers of asylum seekers supported under Section 95, Section 98 and Section 4, as at end of quarter

 Year  Supported under section 95 of which:  Subsistence only  Dispersed accommodation  Supported under section 98  Supported under section 4  
 
 2009 Q2  30,654  5,118 (17%)  25,530 (83%)  846  11,388  
 2010 Q2  25,010  3,732 (15%)  21,278 (85%)  544  6,751  
 2011 Q2  20,855  3,009 (14%)  17,846 (86%)  809  2,461  
 2012 Q2  20,639  2,657 (13%)  17,982 (87%)  847  2,360  
 Change: latest 12 months  -216  -352  136  38  -101  
 Percentage change  -1%  -12%  1%  5%  -4%  

The largest nationality group currently supported under Section 95 are nationals of Pakistan (20% of the total).

10.3 Resettlement

In addition to those asylum seekers who apply in the United Kingdom, a resettlement scheme is also offered to those who have been referred to the UK Border Agency by UNHCR (the UN agency for refugees).

In 2011, a total of 454 refugees were resettled in the United Kingdom through this process. This is lower than in recent years due to the scheduling of arrivals within an operating year of April to March, rather than calendar year.

Figures for refugees resettled are Official Statistics and have not been designated as National Statistics. For details about the quality of the data relating to these figures please see the user guide.

10.4 International comparisons

Including dependants, the estimated total number of asylum applications to the EU was 284,800 in 2011. The total number of asylum applications across the EU increased from 2010 (241,100) and was the highest since 2003.

Top ten EU countries receiving asylum applications, 2011 (includes dependants)(Total number of applications 284,800)

Top 10 EU countries receiving asylum applications, 2011 (includes dependants)(Total number of applications 284,800).

The chart shows the top 10 countries receiving asylum applications in 2011. The data are available in Table as.07.

The UK has remained 6th highest in terms of asylum applications to the EU between 2010 and 2011. However, UK has dropped from second highest to 6th highest in terms of asylum applications within the EU between 2009 and 2010, with France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Belgium having more applicants. With the relative size of resident populations of the 27 EU countries taken into account, the United Kingdom ranked 14th in terms of asylum seekers per head of population in 2011, compared with 13th in 2010.

10.5 Data tables

10.6 About the figures

The user guide provides further details on this topic including definitions used, how figures are compiled, data quality and issues arising from figures being based on data sourced from an administrative database.

The Asylum section of the user guide includes a discussion on the differences between the definition of asylum applications used in this release compared to Eurostat (the European statistical organisation), as well as the definition of asylum appeals used in this release compared to asylum appeals published by the HM Courts and Tribunals Service.

One person (the main applicant) can apply for asylum on behalf of themselves and others (dependants). This briefing excludes numbers of dependants, unless stated otherwise.

All data for 2011 and 2012 are provisional.

Figures prior to 2005 can be found on the historical datasets page for some asylum tables.

Numbers of asylum applicants removed are available in the ‘Removals and voluntary departures’ topic.

The UK Border Agency publishes data on asylum performance framework measures and the size of the controlled archive, UK Border Agency Our Performance

11. Extensions of stay

Valid: 30 August to 29 November 2012

11.1 Introduction

The figures in this topic brief relate to the number of people, subject to immigration control, who are granted or refused permission to extend their stay in the UK. An individual may make more than one application in any given year.

11.2 Key facts

The total number of grants to extend stay has fallen 11% (-33,122) to 271,186 in the year ending June 2012, continuing the falls over the last 3 years (from 361,211 in the year ending June 2009).

The 11% fall in total grants in the latest 12 months was largely due to nearly a third fewer study-related grants ( 31% or -42,570). This is consistent with the tightening of the immigration rules for students since April 2011 (details below).

There was an increase (7% or 8,998) in work-related grants in the latest 12 months, although these remained much lower than 3 years ago (134,201 compared with 199,248). The recent increase was accounted for by increases of 9% and 21% respectively in grants for highly skilled and skilled workers (which rose from 78,235 to 85,048 and from 32,159 to 38,937 see Extensions table ex.01.q) whilst other work related grants fell by 31% (from 14,809 to 10,216).

Grants to extend stay by reason, and refusals

 Year  Total decisions  Total grants of which:  Refusals  Work  Study  Family  Other  
 —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  
# Year ending June 2009  399,722  361,211  199,248  123,882  24,166  13,915  38,511  
# Year ending June 2010  387,800  321,969  145,032  134,625  22,911  19,401  65,831  
# Year ending June 2011  361,609  304,308  125,203  135,947  18,463  24,695  57,301  
# Year ending June 2012  311,586  271,186  134,201  93,377  16,488  27,120  40,400  
# Change: latest 12 months.  -50,023  -33,122  8,998  -42,570  -1,975  2,425  -16,901  
# Percentage change  -14%  -11%  7%  -31%  -11%  10%  -29%  

The chart below illustrates longer-term trends in grants to extend stay for the calendar years 2005 to 2011.

Long term trends in grants of an extension of stay

The chart shows grants and refusals of an extension of stay between 2005 and the latest calendar year. The chart is based on data in Tables ex.01.

Chart notes

Source: Home Office, immigration statistics April – June 2012, [Extensions table ex.01][3].

11.3 Nationalities granted an extension (excludes dependants)

Of the total 237,098 grants of an extension of stay in 2011, 67% (158,645) were to Asian nationals and 15% (35,974) were to African nationals.

Top 10 nationalities granted an extension to stay, 2011 (excludes dependants) (Total number of grants 237,098)

Top 10 nationalities granted an extension to stay, 2011 (excludes dependants) (Total number of grants 237,098)

The chart shows grants of extension of stay by nationality in 2011. The chart is based on data in Table ex.02.

Chart notes

Source: Home Office, immigration statistics April – June 2012, Extensions table ex.02.

11.4 Data tables

Further data on extensions are available in Extensions tables ex.01 to ex.02.

11.5 About the figures

EEA nationals are not subject to immigration control so are not included in these figures. When a country joins the EU its nationals are no longer included in these figures e.g. Bulgarian and Romanian nationals are not included from 2007 onwards.

Details of changes to the student route from April 2011 are given at the links below:

The data in this briefing include dependants, except where stated otherwise, and take account of the outcomes of reconsiderations and appeals. All figures for 2011 and 2012 are provisional.

The numbers of applications and decisions made reflect changes over time in levels of immigration, as well as policy and legislative changes, including changes to immigration legislation. The availability and allocation of resources within the UK Border Agency can also affect the number of decisions.

The user guide provides further details on this topic including definitions used, how figures are compiled, data quality and issues arising from figures being based on data sourced from an administrative database.

Data on migration applications decided within published standards, the cost per decision for all permanent and temporary migration applications and the size of the controlled archive are published as Official Statistics by the UK Border Agency as part of their performance data. Details including an explanation of what the controlled archive includes are given at UK Border Agency Our Performance

12. Settlement

Valid: 30 August to 29 November 2012

12.1 Introduction

The figures in this topic brief relate to the number of people, subject to immigration control, who are granted or refused permission to stay permanently in the UK, known as settlement.

12.2 Key facts

In the latest 12 months 139,589 people were granted permission to stay permanently, an annual fall of a third ( 33%), or 70,172, to the lowest level in the last five years.

Most of the 70,172 fall was accounted for by lower numbers of grants given on a discretionary or other basis (which fell from 71,740 to 11,140). Such grants in recent years have mainly resulted from a review of the backlog of cases from before March 2007 involving unsuccessful asylum applicants, and the latest fall follows the completion of the review.

Family-related grants fell by nearly a fifth (-19% to 47,401). The level of work-related grants remained steady (-1% to 68,974), after falling from a peak in the year ending June 2010.

Asylum-related grants rose by a quarter (25%, to 12,074) in part still reflecting rule changes in August 2005. The rule changes effectively delayed grants of settlement for some people for example resulting in lower asylum related grants in 2006 and contributing to higher asylum related grants in 2011. The rule change meant that people given refugee status no longer received a grant immediately, and instead they have been given five years’ temporary permission to stay.

Grants to stay permanently by reason, and refusals

Year  Total decisions Total grants of which: Refusals Work Asylum-related Family Discretionary or Other
Year ending June 2008 161,291 148,739 57,801 3,350 53,144 34,444 12,552
Year ending June 2009 172,536 163,660 67,597 3,252 63,898 28,913 8,876
Year ending June 2010 239,426 226,084 92,176 2,813 73,830 57,265 13,342
Year ending June 2011 220,047 209,761 69,563 9,636 58,822 71,740 10,286
Year ending June 2012 145,127 139,589 68,974 12,074 47,401 11,140 5,538
Change: latest 12 months. -74,920 -70,172 -589 2,438 -11,421 -60,600 -4,748
Percentage change -34% -33% -1% 25% -19% -84% -46%

The chart below illustrates longer-term trends in grants to stay permanently for the calendar years back to 2001. 
 

Long-term trends in grants to stay permanently.

The chart shows the number of people granted settlement by calendar year from 2001. The data are available in Table se.02.

Chart notes

Source: Home Office, immigration statistics April – June 2012, Settlement table se.02

The increase from 2001 to 2005 was mainly due to increases in work and asylum related grants, which then fell back in 2006 and 2007, reflecting changes to rules on how quickly those granted refugee status were granted settlement, and how quickly individuals qualified for work-related settlement. The higher levels in 2009 and 2010 were due to grants given on a discretionary or other basis resulting from a review of the backlog of cases involving unsuccessful asylum applicants, and the fall in 2011 follows the completion of the review.

12.3 Nationalities granted permission to stay permanently

Of the total 166,878 people granted permission to stay permanently in 2011, over half (53% or 88,528) were to Asian nationals and a further quarter (25% or 42,148) were to African nationals.

Top 10 nationalities granted permission to stay permanently, 2011 (Total number of grants 166,878)

Top 10 nationalities granted permission to stay permanently, 2011 (Total number of grants 166,878).

The chart shows grants of settlement by nationality in 2011. The chart is based on data in Table se.03.

Chart notes

Source: Home Office, immigration statistics April – June 2012, Settlement table se.02.

12.4 Data tables

Further data on settlement are available in Settlement tables se.01 to se.06.

12.5 About the figures

EEA nationals are not subject to immigration control and so are not included in these figures. When a country joins the EU its nationals are no longer in these figures eg Bulgarian and Romanian nationals are not included from 2007 onwards.

The numbers of applications and decisions about permission to stay permanently reflect changes over time in levels of those entering the country, as well as policy and legislative changes. These may affect the number of people potentially eligible to stay permanently, for example. The availability and allocation of resources within the UK Border Agency can also affect the number of decisions.

The user guide provides further details on this topic including definitions used, how figures are compiled, data quality and issues arising from figures being based on data sourced from an administrative database. It also includes a discussion of the differences between the grants of permission to stay permanently and long-term international migration estimates of immigration published by ONS.

All the figures include spouses and dependants, unless stated otherwise. All data for 2011 and 2012 are provisional.

From 2003 onwards, dependants of EEA and Swiss nationals in confirmed relationships may be shown separately in figures on issues and refusals of permanent residence documents, rather than in figures about settlement. Figures on issues and refusals of permanent residence documentation to EEA nationals and their family members are shown in Table ee.02 in the ‘European Economic Area’ section.

Data on migration applications decided within published standards, the cost per decision for all permanent and temporary migration applications and the size of the controlled archive are published as Official Statistics by the UK Border Agency as part of their performance data. Details including an explanation of what the controlled archive includes are given at UK Border Agency Our Performance.

13. Citizenship

Valid: 30 August to 29 November 2012

13.1 Introduction

The figures in this topic brief relate to the number of people that are granted or refused British citizenship.

13.2 Key facts

There was a 3% fall in the number of people granted British citizenship in the year ending June 2012 (179,764) compared with the previous 12 months (185,600). There was also a 4% fall in decisions made in the year to June 2012 (186,382) compared with the previous 12 months (193,339).

The fall in decisions and grants are likely to reflect a 10% fall in applications over the same period which may, in turn, be partly due to the corresponding 33% fall in grants of permission to stay permanently (known as settlement).

Grants and refusals of citizenship

Year ending  Total decisions Total grants of which: Refusals and withdrawals Residence Marriage Children Other
June 2008 150,581 137,860 71,104 28,701 33,644 4,411 12,721
June 2009 185,989 175,684 88,285 43,638 40,071 3,690 10,305
June 2010 206,244 197,896 95,176 49,897 47,698 5,125 8,348
June 2011 193,339 185,600 92,734 40,965 46,263 5,638 7,739
June 2012 186,382 179,764 98,360 35,449 41,133 4,822 6,618
Change: latest 12 months -6,957 -5,836 5,626 -5,516 -5,130 -816 -1,121
Percentage change -4% -3% 6% -13% -11% -14% -14%

The chart below illustrates longer-term trends in grants of citizenship by calendar year.

Long-term trends in grants of citizenship.

The chart shows the number of grants of British citizenship between 2001 and the latest calendar year. The data are available in Table cz.03.][

Chart notes

Source: Home Office, immigration statistics – April- June 2012, Citizenship table cz.03.

The number of applications and grants has risen significantly from 2001 onwards, although grants have fallen in the last 2 years. The overall increase in the last decade is likely, in part, to reflect increased grants of permission to stay permanently (known as settlement). After a period of residence those granted settlement become eligible to apply for citizenship. Grants in 2008 were reduced when staff resources were temporarily transferred from decision-making to deal with administration of new applications. There were 177,785 grants in 2011, lower than the record 203,789 in 2009, but remaining nearly double the level seen in 2001.

13.3 Grants of citizenship by previous nationality

Former Indian and Pakistani nationals have accounted for the largest numbers of grants in almost every year from 2001, (the exception was 2007, when former nationals of Pakistan accounted for the fifth highest number of grants). Together, former Indian and Pakistani nationals accounted for a quarter (25%) of grants in 2011.

Top 10 previous nationalities granted citizenship, 2011 (Total number of grants 177,785)

Top 10 previous nationalities granted citizenship, 2011 (Total number of grants 177,785).

The chart shows grants of citizenship by previous nationality in 2011. The chart is based on data in Table cz.06.

Chart notes

Source: Home Office, immigration statistics – April- June 2012, Citizenship table cz.06.

13.4 Where are new citizens attending ceremonies?

While the total number of ceremonies attended has increased in line with grants, the proportion in the London region fell from 54% in 2005 to 40% in 2010. Over the same period there were increases in the proportions for the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, the West Midlands and the South East. In 2011 the geographical distribution has remained similar to 2010.

13.5 Data tables

Further data on British citizenship are available in Citizenship tables cz.01 to cz.10. In addition to applications and detailed breakdowns of decisions these include information on citizenship ceremonies attended and renunciations of citizenship.

13.6 About the figures

There are no separate figures for dependants because all applications for citizenship are from individuals treated as main applicants in their own right (including those made on the basis of a relationship with an existing British citizen). The data also reflect the outcome of reconsidered decisions. All figures for 2011 and 2012 are provisional.

Citizenship is granted under the British Nationality Act 1981 which came into force on 1 January 1983, subsequently amended by the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.

The number of applications and decisions made reflect changes over time in levels of those entering the country, as well as policy and legislative changes, which for example may affect the number of people potentially eligible to apply. The availability and allocation of resources within the UK Border Agency can also affect the number of decisions.

The user guide provides further details on this topic including definitions used, how figures are compiled, data quality and issues arising from figures being based on data sourced from an administrative database.

Who are the UK’s new citizens?, Centre on Migration, Policy and Society (COMPAS) Breakfast Briefing Summary, July 2011.

14. Removals and voluntary departures

Valid: 30 August to 29 November 2012

14.1 Introduction

The figures in this topic brief relate to numbers of people, including dependants, leaving the United Kingdom either voluntarily or where, in the main, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) has sought to remove individuals. While individuals removed at a port of entry have not necessarily entered the country, their removal requires action by the UKBA, such as being placed on a return flight, and are therefore included unless stated otherwise.

14.2 Key facts

In the year ending June 2012, the number of enforced removals from the UK has increased by 1% to 15,014 from 14,931 in the previous 12 month period.

The number of passengers refused entry at port and who subsequently departed has fallen 15% in the latest 12 months to 14,116 from 16,639 for the year ending June 2011. This continues the fall over the last 7 years (from 31,950 in the year ending June 2005). Figures for the first quarter (3,095) and second quarter (3,113) of 2012 are the lowest figures in this series since the publication of data began in the first quarter of 2001.

In the year ending June 2012 there was an increase of 2% in total voluntary departures to 25,585 compared with the previous year. This category has represented the largest proportion of those departing from the UK since 2009.

Of these voluntary departures, 59% of those departing were categorised as other confirmed voluntary departures, 27% as notified voluntary departures (where a person notifies UKBA that they have departed) and 14% as Assisted Voluntary Returns (where financial assistance is provided). The largest category, other confirmed voluntary departures, are cases where a person has been identified as leaving the UK when they no longer had the right to be in the UK, either as a result of embarkation controls or by subsequent data matching (the retrospective nature of the matching means figures for the latest periods are particularly subject to upward revision, see the section ‘About the figures’).

Removals and voluntary departures by type

Year ending Total enforced removals Total refused entry at port and who subsequently departed Total voluntary departures of which: Assisted voluntary returns Notified voluntary departures Other confirmed voluntary departures Other confirmed voluntary departures as a % of voluntary departures
June 2007 17,794 31,783 12,842 4,800 2,492 5,550 43%
June 2008 17,801 31,804 16,477 3,897 4,094 8,486 52%
June 2009 15,867 31,859 19,894 4,756 3,805 11,333 57%
June 2010 15,104 23,452 26,895 4,966 5,475 16,454 61%
June 2011 14,931 16,639 25,064 3,386 6,618 15,060 60%
June 2012 15,014 14,116 25,585 3,618 6,854 15,113 59%
Change: latest 12 months 83 -2,523 521 232 236 53 -
Percentage change 1% -15% 2% 7% 4% 0% -

Table Note (1): The figures for total voluntary departures and confirmed voluntary departures will initially be undercounts due to data-matching exercises that take place after the statistics are produced.

14.3 Asylum and non-asylum cases

[t] In the year ending June 2012, there were 5,374 enforced removals who had sought asylum at some stage, down 10% from the previous 12 month period (6,000) and 55% lower than the peak of 12,021 for the year ending June 2006. This decrease in asylum cases departing can be viewed in the context of a general decreasing trend in asylum applications since 2001.

Long-term trends in removals and voluntary departures by type, by quarter.

The chart shows the total number of enforced removals, total voluntary departures and total non-asylum cases refused entry at port and subsequently removed between Q1 2004 and the latest quarter. The data are available in Table rv.01.q.

Chart notes

Source: Home Office, immigration statistics April – June 2012, Removals and voluntary departures table rv.01.q.

The number of those refused entry at port and subsequently removed has decreased since the beginning of the data series. Quarterly figures for 2012 are the lowest since the publication of this data series began. The 42% decrease in the number of passengers refused entry at port and subsequently removed from the third quarter of 2009 (7,751) to the second quarter of 2010 (4,520) has no identified single cause. It is likely to be due to a combination of factors including: a decrease in overall passenger volumes; full visa regimes being imposed, for example, South Africa (July 2009) and Bolivia (May 2009); and the general worldwide economic downturn.

The long-term trend for voluntary departures had been fairly steadily increasing up to the first quarter of 2010, but quarterly figures have since fluctuated. The long term increases often coincide with the agency improving its contact management with migrants and its ability to track those that are leaving the United Kingdom. The data-matching exercises identify those who have overstayed their leave and left the UK without informing UKBA, and allows UKBA to focus its enforcement action on those who remain in the UK. Since 2009 this category represents the largest proportion of those departing from the UK as recorded in this data series. As was mentioned above, the figures for the most recent quarters are likely to be subject to upward revision as checks are subsequently made on travellers following departure.

The numbers of enforced removals has declined since publication of this data series began, but quarterly figures have been fairly steady in recent years.

14.4 Departures by ‘harm’ assessment

The harm matrix was introduced in 2007 for monitoring the Public Service Agreement that then was applied as measurement of performance in removing the most harmful people first. ‘Higher harm’ assessments include people who have committed serious criminal and immigration offences.

In the financial year 2011/12, 14,806 enforced removals and 26,022 voluntary departures were subject to an assessment for a harm rating, of which 22% of enforced removals and 1% of voluntary departures were assessed as ‘higher harm’. In the previous financial year, 26% of enforced removals and 2% of total voluntary departures were assessed as ‘higher harm’.

Figures for departures by harm assessment are Official Statistics and have not been designated as National Statistics. For details about the quality of the data relating to these figures please see the User Guide to Home Office Immigration Statistics.

14.5 Foreign national offenders

During the financial year 2011/12, 4,501 foreign national offenders were removed compared with 5,367 in 2010/11. In 2011/12, the UKBA target for removal of foreign national offenders was 4,700.

During the second quarter of 2012, 1,056 foreign national offenders were removed which represented no change on the number of those removed in the second quarter of 2011 (1,057).

Figures for foreign national offenders are Official Statistics and have not been designated as National Statistics. For details about the quality of the data relating to these figures please see the user guide.

14.6 Data tables

[t] Further data on removals and voluntary departures are available in Removals and voluntary departures tables rv.01 to rv.08q.

14.7 About the figures

The user guide provides further details on this topic including definitions used, how figures are compiled, data quality and issues arising from figures being based on data sourced from an administrative database.

Other confirmed voluntary departures were previously known as “Other voluntary departures”, the name change is to clearly sign post those departures which are confirmed by either checks at the border or after the departure, further details are available in the user guide. As the data matching for the other confirmed voluntary departures is undertaken retrospectively this means these figures are particularly subject to greater upward revision than would be the case for other categories of departure. This means that the most recent figures for voluntary departures, and in particular confirmed departures, understate the finalised figures. For example, the 2011 figures for other confirmed voluntary departures have been revised upwards since the February 2012 quarterly release from 13,361 to 15,712, an 18% increase. In the light of the greater use of retrospective data matching to check departures we are reviewing the frequency at which these figures are subsequently updated.

All data include dependants, unless otherwise stated. All data for 2011 and 2012 are provisional.

Information on numbers of people removed upon leaving detention is available in the ‘Detention’ topic and numbers of non-asylum passengers initially refused entry at port are available in the ‘Before Entry’ topic.

Data on the family returns process are published as official statistics by UKBA as part of their performance data, UK Border Agency Our Performance

15. Detention

Valid: 29 November 2012 to 28 February 2013

15.1 Introduction

The figures in this topic brief relate to the number of people entering, leaving or in detention, solely under Immigration Act powers, at immigration removal centres, short-term holding facilities and pre-departure accommodation.

15.2 Key facts

In the year ending September 2012, 28,705 people entered detention, an increase of 9% compared with the previous year (26,363). Over the same period there was an increase of 8% in those leaving detention (from 26,323 to 28,442). Of those leaving detention, 61% were removed from the UK.

As of the end of September 2012, 3,091 people were in detention, the highest number recorded since publication of the data began in 2001.

In the third quarter of 2012, 48 children entered detention. This follows falls from a peak in the third quarter of 2009 of 322, to a low of 19 in the first quarter of 2011. The rise in quarterly figures for children entering detention show greater use of Cedars pre-departure accommodation which opened in August 2011 in conjunction with a new process to manage the removal of families that began in March 2011.

15.3 People entering, leaving and in detention, solely under Immigration Act powers

Year Entering detention Leaving detention In detention
Year ending September 2010 26,660 26,665 2,889
Year ending September 2011 26,363 26,323 2,909
Year ending September 2012 28,705 28,442 3,091
Change: latest 12 months. 2,342 2,119 182
Percentage change 9% 8% 6%

In the third quarter of 2012, 7,296 people entered detention, 7% higher than the same quarter of the previous year (6,833).

15.4 Length of detention

Of those leaving detention during the third quarter of 2012 (7,186), 4,796 (67%) had been in detention for less than 29 days, 1,185 (16%) for between 29 days and 2 months and 731 (10%) for between 2 and 4 months. Of the 474 (7%) remaining, 72 had been in detention for between one and 2 years and 15 for 2 years or longer.

15.5 Children in detention

In December 2010, the government announced its commitment to ending the detention of children for immigration purposes. A new UK Border Agency process for managing the removal of families with no right to be in the UK began in March 2011. Integral to this process new pre-departure accommodation located near Gatwick Airport in West Sussex, Cedars, opened in August 2011 and was specifically designed to provide a secure facility for children and their families. Whilst children are detained in Cedars under Immigration Act powers, they are not held in the same conditions as previously in adult detention facilities.

During the third quarter of 2012, 48 children entered detention, an increase of 11 on the third quarter of 2011 (37), the same number as the third quarter of 2010 and a fall from the third quarter of 2009 (322). This is also below the 60 children entering detention in the second quarter of 2012 and the first quarterly decline since the first quarter of 2011.

Of those children entering detention in the third quarter of 2012, 27 were detained in Tinsley House, compared with 20 at Cedars and the remaining one at Morton Hall.

Of the 54 children leaving detention in the third quarter of 2012, 35 were granted temporary admission/release, 16 were removed from the UK and the remaining 3 left for other reasons. Of those leaving detention, 7 had been detained for more than 3 days.

15.6 Children entering detention, solely under Immigration Act powers

Children entering detention, solely under Immigration Act powers

The chart shows the number of children entering detention between Q1 2009 and the latest quarter. The data are available in Table dt.03.q.

Chart notes

Source: Home Office, immigration statistics July–September 2012, Detention table dt.03.q.
(1) Oakington Reception Centre closed on 12 November 2010, Yarl’s Wood closed to families with children on 16 December 2010.
(2) Cedars pre-departure accommodation opened on 17 August 2011.

15.7 Data tables

Further data are available in Detention Tables dt.01 to dt.12.q.

15.8 About the figures

Figures presented here do not include those held in police cells, Prison Service establishments, short-term holding rooms at ports and airports (for less than 24 hours) and those recorded as detained under both criminal and immigration powers and their dependants.

The User Guide to Home Office Immigration Statistics provides further detail on this topic including definitions used, how figures are compiled, data quality and issues arising from figures being based on data sourced from an administrative database.

The User Guide also includes information on Cedars pre-departure accommodation.

Children are those recorded as being under 18 years of age. All data for 2011 and 2012 are provisional.

For further information on changes to immigration legislation affecting the statistics, see the Policy and Legislative Changes Timeline published alongside the user guide.

Data on the family returns process are published as Official Statistics by UK Border Agency as part of their performance data, UK Border Agency Our Performance

16. European Economic Area

Valid: 30 August to 29 November 2012

16.1 Introduction

The European Economic Area (EEA) consists of countries within the European Union, together with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Nationals of the EEA and Switzerland have rights of free movement within the United Kingdom and. are generally not subject to immigration control (though nationals of Bulgaria and Romania have certain restrictions placed on them). Hence there is less information available about EEA nationals from the Home Office’s immigration control administrative systems. This topic briefing brings together the information that is available relating to EEA nationals.

16.2 Key facts

In the year ending June 2012 a large proportion (88%) of those entering the country were EEA or British nationals who have rights of free movement and are not subject to immigration control (see the admissions data Table ad.01.q).

In 2011, provisional International Passenger Survey estimates based on intentions to stay for at least 12 months indicate that 64,000 more British nationals emigrated than immigrated (78,000 UK nationals immigrating to the UK and 142,000 UK nationals emigrating from the UK i.e. a net migration of -64,000). By contrast, there were a larger number of other EU nationals immigrating to the UK (158,000) than leaving the UK (87,000), i.e. net migration of %2B71,000.

In 2011 for the EU2 countries (Bulgaria and Romania) there were 2,618 and 22,371 approvals for accession worker cards and for registration certificates, stay unchanged (0%) and a fall of 17% respectively; whilst approvals under the Sector Based Scheme (SBS) and under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS) have increased respectively by 37% and 3% in 2011 (to 822 and 20,456).

In 2011 there were a record 97,982 decisions on applications for residence documents for EEA nationals and non-EEA nationals who were related to EEA nationals. Of these, 47,653 provided an initial recognition of right to reside and 21,159 were issued in recognition of permanent residence, and the remainder were refusals.

Passenger arrivals including estimates of EEA admissions

Passenger arrivals including estimates of EEA admissions

The chart shows the total number of journeys made into the United Kingdom by broad nationality between 2004 and the latest calendar year available. The data are available in Table ad.01.

Chart notes

Source: Home Office, immigration statistics April – June 2012, Admissions table ad.01.

Estimates from the International Passenger Survey (IPS) provide EU nationals’ reasons for entry. The large majority are either visitors or individuals returning to the United Kingdom (Source: ONS, Travel Trends).

16.3 Data tables

Further data on EEA nationals are available in Admissions table ad.01 and EEA tables ee.01 to ee.02.

16.4 Admissions of EEA nationals

The number of British passenger arrivals rose from 68.2 million in 2004 to 71.9 million in 2007 and then fell to 60.9 million in 2010 before rising again to 62.9 million in 2011 and 63.2 million in the year ending March 2012 (the latest period for which an estimate is available).

Between 2000 and 2003, the number of EEA passenger arrivals was relatively stable; however, there was an increase in 2004, which coincided with ten countries joining the EU / EEA. The number of EEA passenger arrivals rose from 17.0 million in 2004 to 29.8 million in 2011. These numbers will, additionally, have been boosted by nationals of Bulgaria and Romania, following these countries becoming part of the EEA in 2007.

16.5 Immigration of EU nationals

Provisional International Passenger Survey estimates define immigrants as individuals who intend to stay for at least a year in the UK (or abroad for emigrants). There were an estimated 158,000 other EU national immigrants in 2011, compared with 156,000 in 2010.

An estimated 46% of British and 59% of other EU national immigrants came for work-related reasons. By contrast only 16% of non-EU immigrants came for work while 61% came for study.

Source: ONS, International Passenger Survey, International Migration.

16.6 ‘EU2’ countries – Bulgaria and Romania

Applications for accession worker cards (required for work in the UK) and for registration certificates (that provide proof of residency rights) remained at similar levels in 2011 compared with 2010 (respectively an increase of 1% to 3,329 and a fall of 1% to 35,125), The corresponding data on approvals has been revised and shows a 0% change and 17% fall (2,618 and 22,371 approvals respectively) compared with previous data indicating falls of 3% and 23%.

Applications and approvals data get revised over time because:

  • as decisions are made relating to the applications in a quarter, the number of approvals recorded against that quarter’s applications will increase
  • as decisions are made, and data is entered on administrative systems, the number of applications recorded on systems can increase slightly

It is anticipated that approvals data for the first and second quarters of 2012 will be revised upwards.

Approvals under the Sector Based Scheme (SBS) and under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS) have increased respectively by 37% and 3% in 2011 (to 822 and 20,456).

Approvals in Sector Based Scheme applications have fallen from a peak of 1,569 in 2008 to less than 1,000 in each of the last 3 years. The total for 2011 (811) is higher than 2009 and 2010 but approvals for the first 2 quarters of 2012 are much lower that the same period of last year.

SAWS approvals rose from 8,058 in 2007 to an annual average of just over 20,000 for 2009 to 2011. There were 10,103 SAWS approvals in the first quarter of 2012, (falling to 7,952 in the second quarter 2012), the second highest quarterly total recorded

16.7 Residence document decisions

Under European law, EEA nationals do not need to obtain documentation confirming their right of residence in the UK.

However, if they want to support an application for a residence card by any of their family members who are not EEA nationals, they must demonstrate that they are residing in the UK in accordance with the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006 and are “exercising Treaty rights” in the UK. For more information see the UK Border Agency web site Residence documents for European nationals.

There were a record 97,982 decisions on applications for EEA residence documents in 2011, 20% higher than 2010, and following a number of measures introduced in 2009 and 2010 within UKBA to improve the quantity and quality of decisions. Just under half (49%) provided initial recognition of right to reside, and a fifth (22%) provided recognition of permanent residence, similar to the proportions for 2010.

Proportions for refusals were 9% for initial recognition of right to reside and 2% for recognition of permanent residence, falling from 16% and 5% respectively in 2010 largely due to the introduction of a new category of refusal for invalid applications which didn’t provide key information or documentation.

Decisions to issue initial recognition of right to reside documents and those in recognition of permanent residence rose in 2011 (by 7% and 5% respectively), although not for all regions or nationalities. Most notably, recognition of permanent residence fell for family members from Africa by 23% (1,072) from 4,620 in 2010 to 3,548 in 2011.

16.8 About the figures

Nationals of Bulgaria and Romania (the ‘EU2’ countries) currently have certain restrictions placed on them; other nationals of EEA countries can apply for documentation that shows that they have the right of free movement. In the first 12 months of stay, working Bulgarian and Romanian nationals are generally required to hold an accession worker card or apply for one of 2 lower-skilled quota schemes: the Sector Based Scheme (SBS) or Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS). Other Bulgarian and Romanian nationals can apply for a registration certificate, giving proof of a right to live in the United Kingdom. Data for the first quarter of 2012 relating to these schemes is highly provisional and likely to be revised significantly in future (based on previous experience of these data sources) and has therefore not been used within the commentary.

Figures for admissions and immigration in this briefing are estimates rounded to the nearest thousand. Relevant tables provide unrounded data (except for admissions data and IPS estimates).

All data for 2010 and 2011 are provisional, except for IPS estimates which have been finalised for 2010.

The User Guide to Home Office Immigration Statistics provides further details on this topic including definitions used, how figures are compiled, data quality and issues arising from figures being based on data sourced from an administrative database or from surveys.

EEA nationals do not require an entry clearance visa. Just under 500 visas were recorded as issued to EEA nationals in 2011, with 88% of these recorded as Cyprus or from the northern part of Cyprus. The Before Entry data tables and section of the user guide provide more information.

Passenger arrivals figures for 2001 to 2003, referred to in the chart in ‘Key points’ above, can be found in Table 1.2 of ‘Control of immigration statistics United Kingdom 2009’.

Small numbers of EEA nationals seek asylum (21 main applicants and dependants in 2011). A relatively small number of EEA nationals (1,300 enforced removals, 547 non-asylum cases refused entry at port and subsequently departed and 74 voluntary departures) are removed or depart voluntarily. European legislation generally sets higher thresholds for deporting EEA nationals than exist for other foreign nationals.

17. About this release

17.1 Immigration statistics, April - June 2012

The immigration statistics quarterly release gives an overview of the work of the UK Border Agency and Border Force. It helps inform users including the government, Parliament, the media and the wider public, and supports the development and monitoring of policy.

The immigration statistics release includes the following topic briefings: (cross-cutting) Work, Study, Family, (single topic) Before Entry, Admissions, Extensions, Settlement, Citizenship, Asylum (in 3 parts), Removals and Voluntary Departures, Detention and the European Economic Area. Detailed tables of figures accompany each of the topic briefings, providing data up to the second quarter of 2012 (April to June).

The immigration statistics release is a National Statistics output produced to the highest professional standards and free from political interference. It has been produced by statisticians working in the Home Office Statistics Unit in accordance with the Home Office’s ‘Statement of compliance with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics’ which covers our policy on revisions and other matters. The governance arrangements in the Home Office for statistics were strengthened on 1 April 2008 to place the statistical teams under the direct line management of a Chief Statistician, who reports to the National Statistician with respect to all professional statistical matters.

17.2 Changes to topic briefings and tables

Removals and voluntary departures Tables and commentary now provide revised categories for those departing the UK, sperately identifying enforced removals and notified voluntary departures (previously combined).
Before entry and Work New tables (Before Entry topic) and commentary (Work topic) has been included about the sponsorship system, including numbers of sponsored employers on the UKBA register and use of Certificates of Sponsorship (used in applications for work-related visas and extensions).
  Historical data for 2010 has been added on grants of visas by category by nationality,
All topic briefings Most of the tables of figures by nationality have been revised to separate out figures for those designated as ‘Stateless’ and ‘Refugees’.
  For the longer time series previously published in tables alongside the different topic briefings, figures for earlier time periods are now available for some topic areas on the Migration Statistics historical datasets web page.

17.3 Revisions to data

There have been minor revisions of figures for 2011 relating to asylum and citizenship as part of planned updates using later extracts of administrative data. The revisions have not made substantive changes to the trends indicated in data published in February 2012. For further information see the User Guide.

Within the Removals and Voluntary Departures topic there have been larger revisions of figures for 2011 relating to the category ‘other confirmed voluntary departures’. The retrospective nature of the matching used for other confirmed voluntary departures means figures for the latest periods are particularly subject to revision.

Within the Detention topic there have also been revisions of figures for 2011 relating to children entering detention. Larger revisions to the data on the number of children entering detention occur when a more recent data extract is used to produce the figures. Later extracts will reflect changes made to date of birth information about individuals. These changes do not change the total number of people entering detention but may increase or decrease the number of children reported as entering detention.

17.4 National Statistics Assessment

In autumn 2011, the UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) assessed immigration statistics against the Code of Practice for Official Statistics, as part of its routine programme of assessments. The assessment report was published on 2 February 2012, and, subject to meeting the report’s five requirements, this release will be re-designated by the Authority as National Statistics. More information on National Statistics and the Code of Practice for Official Statistics can be found on the UK Statistics Authority website.

The formal requirements of the assessment report broadly relate to improving and clarifying information about data sources, data quality and revisions to data, improving interpretability and clarifying the status of data that were previously labelled as management information. Following improvements made in the May 2012 edition, UKSA provided a number of further detailed suggestions for further improvements, for example relating to navigation, the format and content of the previous Summary page, presentational issues, and consistency across the publication, as well as detailed points relating to the content of the User Guide. Home Office Statistics have made a number of changes to the publication in this release to address the points made.

17.5 Future changes

The following changes are planned for the future, subject to data quality and available resources:

  • completion of revision of all back-series for tables showing nationalities, to disaggregate the remaining.  ‘Stateless’ category into ‘Stateless’ and ‘Refugee’;
  • produce tables with historical data using new categorisation of Enforced Removals and Voluntary Departures (see above); and
  • improvement to and updating of figures on unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASCs) and age-disputed cases to ensure that those whose age dispute case has been fully resolved are counted.

17.6 Communications

An email distribution list is available to allow communication between users and producers of migration statistics throughout the year.

Specifically, this is a forum for discussion of migration statistics that allows users to discuss their need for and use of the data and for producers to consult on presentation and changes. The main focus will be on figures for the United Kingdom, but this would not exclude discussion of migration statistics for other countries. Home Office Statistics intends to use this list for communication with users, including data and release developments.

If you wish to join the list, please follow these instructions:

https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/wa.exe?SUBED1=MIGRATION-STATS

17.7 Further information and feedback

If you have any questions or comments about this release, please send an email to MigrationStatsEnquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk
or write to:

The Editor, immigration statistics,
Migration Statistics,
Home Office Statistics,
17th Floor Lunar House
40 Wellesley Road,
Croydon
CR9 2BY

Press enquiries should be made to:

Home Office Press Office
Peel Building
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF

Tel: 020 7035 3535

The Home Office Responsible Statistician is David Blunt, Chief Statistician and Head of Profession for Statistics.

18. Errata: immigration statistics, April - June 2012

Alterations to the immigration statistics after publication on 30 August 2012.

  • Summary page - The phrase which read ‘There were 19,959 asylum applications, a rise of 6%. The peak number of applications was in the year ending December 2002 (84,132).’ originally read ‘ There were 19,959 asylum applications, a rise of 6%, but is below the number for the year June 2009 (27,997)’.
  • Study topic - the chart entitled ‘Top 10 nationalities issued entry clearance visas for the purposes of study, 2011 (Total number of visas issued for the purposes of study 261,405)’ originally had numbers instead of nationalities on the vertical axis.

Alteration on 19 October 2012

  • Table rv.06.q – Figures for individual destinations have been corrected to be consistent with quarterly total figures. The inconsistencies were restricted to Q2 2012 data for the single table web table rv.06.q. The overall published total and commentary were correct.