The Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford provides independent, authoritative, evidence-based analysis on UK migration. Based at @COMPAS_oxford
Oxford
Joined November 2010
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Migration Observatory retweeted
Today's Budget includes a few interesting developments for UK migration policy, including changes to the Graduate route, salary thresholds for Skilled Workers, and the time sponsored workers have to find a new job.
Here's what you need to know in 3 posts.
Migration Observatory retweeted
💻 Migration Statistics User Forum, 10 December 2026
Register now to take part in interactive sessions, hear from producers of the statistics and discuss key themes in international migration statistics, in partnership with @ukhomeoffice and @MigObs
eventbrite.com/e/migration-s…
Migration Observatory retweeted
In YE June 2026, 2,234 Skilled Worker visas were granted to jobs recommended by the MAC for the Temporary Shortage List (33% of middle-skill grants).
Quarterly grants to other middle-skill jobs not on the TSL (incl. the interim list) fell from 1,923 in 2024 Q4 to 131 in 2026 Q2.
Migration Observatory retweeted
In the year ending June 2026, 157,000 work visas were granted, less than half the number granted in 2023.
Our updated work visas briefing looks at the routes work migrants used to come to the UK, the jobs they do once they're here, and how many stay.
Migration Observatory retweeted
The event of the year is back on Thursday 10th December!
The Migration Statistics User Forum is your opportunity to find out what ONS, Home Office and other government data teams are planning on migration, and to tell them what stats you need.
eventbrite.co.uk/e/migration…
Migration Observatory retweeted
My op-ed in the FT today about why it can be misleading when the migration debate focuses too much on work visas
A big theme in my recent book, "What is Immigration Policy For?" which looks at why immigration policy is so difficult for governments to manage
Migration Observatory retweeted
NEW PODCAST: How does immigration affect the public finances?
🎙️@HelenMiller_IFS, @M_Sumption, and @MaxWarnerIFS sit down to discuss the impact of migration on the economy and the public finances ⬇️
Migration Observatory retweeted
How does immigration affect public finances? Is the OBR getting it right? Which migration policies are fiscally costly vs beneficial?
Much enjoyed discussing all this - and my new book, "What is immigration policy for?" with @TheIFS on their excellent IFS Zooms In podcast
NEW PODCAST: How does immigration affect the public finances?
🎙️@HelenMiller_IFS, @M_Sumption, and @MaxWarnerIFS sit down to discuss the impact of migration on the economy and the public finances ⬇️
Migration Observatory retweeted
Book available here if you don't have your copy yet!
bristoluniversitypress.co.uk…
How does immigration affect public finances? Is the OBR getting it right? Which migration policies are fiscally costly vs beneficial?
Much enjoyed discussing all this - and my new book, "What is immigration policy for?" with @TheIFS on their excellent IFS Zooms In podcast
Migration Observatory retweeted
We've updated our briefing on migrants and crime in the UK
It looks at whether foreign nationals are more or less likely to be convicted than British citizens, and how many foreign national offenders are removed after serving their sentences.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.u…
Migration Observatory retweeted
Enjoyed this chat w @DAaronovitch on why small boats are down recently
TLDR: probably some combination of policy & fewer asylum seekers entering EU. Hard to say how much results from each
Next 6-8 weeks will tell us more re how durable the trend is, as arrivals highest in summer
Really interesting Briefing Room episode on immigration with @BBCDomC @M_Sumption and @DAaronovitch Lots of interesting detail about why small boat arrivals are low at the moment bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002z7…
Migration Observatory retweeted
Between Jan 2021 and March 2026, 52k international students switched to the care sector (44% of people who switched from study to work visas).
Will these people stay in care? That will depend on whether the qualifying period for ILR is increased from 5 to 15 years... (1/2)
Migration Observatory retweeted
“Having read your book, What is Immigration Policy For, I have to admit that everything I thought I knew about migration has kind of turned on its head”
Much enjoyed an in-depth chat about my book w @paddyney and Guy Pinsent in their new series Custom & Reason (links in reply)
Migration Observatory retweeted
Since 2021, 160,000 Hong Kongers have migrated to the UK via the humanitarian BNO visa route.
Our new briefing looks at BNOs’ characteristics, their economic outcomes, and how many want to stay in the UK long term.
(Link in the next post)
Migration Observatory retweeted
In a surprise turn of events I'm on the front cover of The Actuary magazine...
Talking about my new book "What is Immigration Policy For?"
Available here for anyone who missed it! bristoluniversitypress.co.uk…
Migration Observatory retweeted
How does migration affect the UK’s public finances? Overall, the impacts are small, but people on different immigration routes have significantly different impacts.
Here’s why, in 3 posts…
Migration Observatory retweeted
Why do asylum seekers come to the UK?
Our latest Q&A looks at what influences their destination choices, including grant rates, family reunion policies, and the UK's departure from Dublin after Brexit.
Link in the next post.
Migration Observatory retweeted
Really enjoyed @M_Sumption’s terrific new book “What Is Immigration Policy For?”.
Beautifully clear prose that elucidates a bunch of controversial topics in an even-handed way.
Migration Observatory retweeted
I spoke to BBC More or Less about whether migrants will get half of new homes built since mid-2024. As always, it's a bit more complicated than that...
You can listen here: bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002x5…
Migration Observatory retweeted
I second this review. In a often bad-tempered field, this is a scrupulously fair and well-evidenced book.
From Tom Jones @93vintagejones on my "scrupulous" new book, "What is Immigration Policy For?" in @TheCriticMag
