Britain experienced a significant increase in net migration last year, surpassing many other developed economies, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This news comes as a surprise to those who believed that Brexit would lead to a decrease in migration to the UK.
The UK’s population grew by a record 750,000 in 2023, marking a 52.9 percent increase from the previous year. This growth rate outpaced countries such as the United States, Germany, Canada, France, Australia, and Japan. Despite its smaller population size compared to the US, Britain had a higher net migration total, with only the US exceeding its numbers.
Following Brexit and amid the Covid-19 pandemic, net migration in the UK consistently exceeded pre-Brexit levels, causing frustration among some political figures. Former shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper criticized the Conservative government for their handling of the situation, while current Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to reduce immigration levels and reliance on overseas labor.
The OECD reported that a third of economically advanced countries, including Canada, France, Japan, Switzerland, and the UK, experienced record-high immigration levels in 2023. The surge in migration to the UK can be partially attributed to the increase in dependents of international students being granted visas. Despite measures implemented by the government to restrict family members accompanying international students, there has been a sharp decline in applications from this demographic.
The government has acknowledged the need to address high migration levels and has outlined plans to reduce them. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has emphasized the importance of controlling migration in recent years. However, the influx of immigrants into the UK continues to rise, prompting further discussion and debate on the issue.
