Get the facts: Immigration

14 October 2020

There almost certainly aren’t as many as two million unauthorised immigrants in the UK

A recent estimate put the figure between 800,000 and 1.2 million.

There almost certainly aren’t as many as two million unauthorised immigrants in the UK

8 October 2020

This viral post on benefits and tax avoidance is inaccurate

It underestimates the spending on benefits for people seeking asylum and uses a disputed estimate of the tax gap to talk about tax avoidance.

This viral post on benefits and tax avoidance is inaccurate

24 August 2020

Comparing tax dodging and benefits for people seeking asylum

MP Zarah Sultana claimed that the super-rich and large corporations dodge £90 billion in tax every year. This is based on an estimate for the tax gap which is much …

Comparing tax dodging and benefits for people seeking asylum

18 August 2020

It’s not true that migrants get a free TV licence

A widely shared post on Facebook incorrectly claims migrants who arrive in Britain receive a free TV licence, while pensioners have to pay for one.

It’s not true that migrants get a free TV licence

22 May 2020

How much have healthcare workers paid through the immigration health surcharge?

The Prime Minister claimed £900 million had been raised by the surcharge, but there was some confusion as to whether he was only referring to contributions from health workers.

How much have healthcare workers paid through the immigration health surcharge?

21 May 2020

It’s likely that over 100,000 people have entered the UK since the lockdown began

Government estimates on arrivals are opaque, but recent figures suggest 100,000 is an underestimate.

It’s likely that over 100,000 people have entered the UK since the lockdown began

1 May 2020

The government hasn’t provided evidence for its claim that 15,000 arrive per day into the UK

Claims from the Health Secretary that 15,000 passengers are still arriving in the UK per day haven’t been backed up.

The government hasn’t provided evidence for its claim that 15,000 arrive per day into the UK

28 April 2020

Some context for the claims that Romanian seasonal workers are taking UK workers’ jobs

Despite optimistic reports, Britain is still in need of skilled farm labour.

Some context for the claims that Romanian seasonal workers are taking UK workers’ jobs

5 March 2020

Most of these NHS jobs are classed as “skilled” under new immigration rules

The minimum eligible salary will be £20,480, but other criteria will also apply.

Most of these NHS jobs are classed as “skilled” under new immigration rules

21 February 2020

You can have freedom of movement outside the EU if you’re in the single market

Norway and some other countries follow the free movement rules of the single market without being EU members.

You can have freedom of movement outside the EU if you’re in the single market

10 February 2020

Unpublished Home Office target needs explaining

Figures briefed to the Sunday Times suggest that migration law changes could cut unskilled EU migration by 90,000. That’s higher than the total number of unskilled EU migrants coming to …

Unpublished Home Office target needs explaining

3 February 2020

Since 2010, the UK has granted protection to around 41,000 asylum seekers and refugees under the age of 18

At least 40% were accompanied by a parent or carer.

Since 2010, the UK has granted protection to around 41,000 asylum seekers and refugees under the age of 18

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