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 view of Glasgow, Scotland, from above.

    More than a safety net: The welfare state as springboard to economic success and a better country

    A perceived conflict between social spending and economic dynamism is deeply embedded in both Scottish and UK political discourse.
  2. The Home Office building in London

    Far from settled: The government’s ‘earned settlement’ consultation

    How long should people have to wait until they can permanently settle in the UK? This is the core question underpinning the Home Office’s ‘earned settlement’ policy, currently out for consultation.

  3. Rethinking public sector productivity

    This is the second in a series of IPPR Scotland blogs as part of our project on Employment, Productivity and Reform in the Scottish Public Sector. This project is funded by the Robertson Trust.