Irregular Migration in the UK. An ippr FactFile

Article

In a bid to go beyond estimating numbers of irregular migrants, this factfile deals with some of the broader policy issues that irregular migration raises.

Irregular migration (also described as illegal, undocumented or unauthorised migration) is a complex and controversial issue that is a source of considerable debate in the media and among the general public. From controversies surrounding the immigration status of Big Brother 6 contestant Makosi to the tragic deaths of 58 Chinese migrants being smuggled into the UK, irregular migration is never far from the public eye.

Public concern about immigration in general is at unprecedented levels, with a significant proportion of people polled recently feeling that the Government does not have immigration under control.

In 2005, the UK Government attempted to estimate the numbers of irregular migrants and published the UK's first official estimate of irregular migration. While this estimate has been a useful contribution to the evidence base on irregular migration in the UK, it is equally important to go beyond estimating numbers and deal with some of the broader policy issues that irregular migration raises. This FactFile seeks to address some of these issues.

View other ippr factfiles and books on migration and integration here.

Related items

  1. A Black man in a bright orange high vis jacket and hard hat stands in the middle of a road holding a sign that says 'STOP - WORKS'

    Unfinished business: Redressing inequality in British policy and Black lives

    As conversations about race and equality continue to evolve, Black History Month remains a powerful invitation to pause, reflect, and recommit to progress.
  2. A group of children sit around a table at primary school. A little boy smiles into the camera

    Breaking the cycle: A blueprint for special educational needs and disability (SEND) reform

    The education system is not working well enough for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), their families, or the professionals delivering support.
  3. A group of young women laughing sitting around a cafe table

    Making space: Meeting the needs of young women and girls through Young Futures

    This is a critical moment for the government’s delivery of Young Futures Hubs, which can transform outcomes for young women and girls.Â