Report warns: migration fails to boost UK economy, adds strain on infrastructure

Authored by former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, the study underscores the significant rise in England’s housing deficit, attributing 89% of the increase over the past decade to net migration.

Neil O’Brien MP, co-author of the report, emphasized that large-scale migration has not yielded the anticipated economic benefits, coinciding instead with a slowdown in GDP per capita growth. Moreover, migrants’ influx has strained public services and infrastructure, with migrants unable to supplement the essential resources like roads, schools, and healthcare facilities. The report advocates for government intervention to impose limits on legal immigration, proposing adjustments to visa eligibility criteria and an immediate cap on health and care visas to alleviate pressure on British infrastructure.

Jenrick further asserted that the proposed policies aim to restore immigration to historical norms and establish a highly-selective, highly-skilled immigration system, aligning with voters’ expectations.

Conversely, a recent study by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) in Nuremberg presents a contrasting view, highlighting the positive economic contributions of migrants in Germany. Despite initial challenges, the study reveals that employment rates among migrants increase significantly over time, with 90% of workers contributing to social security and median hourly wages comparable to the broader population.

While acknowledging initial hurdles faced by refugees, the IAB underscores the upward trajectory of employment rates over the years following immigration, emphasizing the potential for long-term economic integration and contribution.