How Many Immigrants Are in the UK? 10 Powerful Facts Every UK Employer Must Know

How many immigrants are in the UK

  Table of Contents

How Many Immigrants Are in the UK? (2025 Latest Data & Trends)

Understanding how many immigrants live in the United Kingdom is important for employers, policymakers, and job seekers. Immigration continues to shape the UK’s workforce, economy, and population growth.

👉 Quick answer:
As of 2025, there are around 10 to 11 million immigrants in the UK, making up approximately 15% to 17% of the total population.

This means about 1 in every 6 people in the UK is foreign-born.


Overview of Immigration in the UK

The United Kingdom has long been a destination for people moving for work, study, and family reasons. Immigration plays a key role in supporting sectors like healthcare, construction, logistics, and technology.

According to the UK Home Office:

  • Migration contributes significantly to population growth
  • Skilled worker visas are increasing
  • International student numbers are rising

👉 Official sources:
UK immigration statistics report showing data on work, study, asylum and migration trends
UK visas and immigration guide


Total Immigrant Population in the UK (2025)

MetricEstimated Value
Total UK population67+ million
Immigrant population10–11 million
Percentage of population15%–17%

👉 These figures include all foreign-born residents living in the UK.


What Percentage of the UK Population Are Immigrants?

  • Around 15%–17% of the UK population is foreign-born
  • The percentage has steadily increased over time

Why is this increasing?

  • Demand for skilled workers
  • Growth in student visas
  • Global mobility trends

👉 Visa details:
UK Skilled Worker visa guide


Immigration Trends in the UK (Last 5 Years)

  • 📈 High net migration between 2022 and 2024
  • 🌍 Increase in non-EU migration
  • 🎓 Growth in international students
  • 💼 Rise in work visa applications

👉 More updates:

UK Home Office contact number
UK Home Office immigration and security department


Where Do Most Immigrants in the UK Come From?

Some of the largest communities in the UK come from:

  • India
  • Poland
  • Pakistan
  • Nigeria
  • Romania

👉 India and Nigeria have seen strong recent growth, particularly for work and study routes.


Largest Immigrant Groups in the UK

  • Indian nationals are among the largest groups
  • Polish communities remain significant
  • Migration from African countries is increasing
  • EU migration has declined after Brexit

How Many Foreigners Live in the UK?

There are around 10 million+ foreign-born residents in the UK.

👉 The terms “foreigners” and “immigrants” are often used interchangeably, although they can have slightly different meanings in official statistics.


How Many Immigrants Came to the UK in 2025?

  • Migration levels remain relatively high
  • Mainly driven by work visas and student visas
  • Exact yearly figures vary depending on policy and demand

Why Immigration Matters for UK Employers

Immigration has a direct impact on workforce planning and business growth.

Employers benefit from:

  • Access to global talent
  • Ability to fill labour shortages
  • Building a more diverse workforce

But employers must also manage:

  • Visa compliance requirements
  • Sponsorship responsibilities

How BlazeHR Helps Manage a Diverse Workforce

BlazeHR helps UK businesses manage employees more efficiently.

With BlazeHR, you can:

  • Track visa and employee records
  • Automate HR processes
  • Ensure compliance with UK regulations
  • Manage attendance and payroll

👉 Related tools:
Track UK visa application status guide
Check genuine Certificate of Sponsorship UK
UK sponsored employees compliance management system


Useful Tools for UK Employers

UK hourly wage calculator tool

UK pro rata salary calculator tool

UK working hours calculator tool

UK Home Office contact number and details

UK ILR eligibility and indefinite leave to remain guide


FAQs About Immigration in the UK

How many immigrants are in the UK?
Around 10–11 million people live in the UK as immigrants.

What percentage of the UK population are immigrants?
Approximately 15%–17%.

How many foreigners live in the UK?
About 10 million+ foreign-born residents.

What is the foreign-born population in the UK?
Around 10–11 million people.

How many immigrants live in the UK in 2025?
More than 10 million, with steady growth.

What percentage of Britain is immigrants?
Roughly 1 in 6 people.


Final Thoughts

Immigration continues to shape the economy and workforce of the United Kingdom. Understanding these trends helps employers, policymakers, and job seekers make informed decisions.

For businesses, managing a diverse workforce efficiently is essential—and tools like BlazeHR make it easier to stay compliant, organised, and productive.

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