Explore Key Data on Immigration in Wales by Area

Immigration in Wales saw a population increase of approximately 23,000 due to net international migration in the year leading up to June 2024. Similar to other nations, Wales experiences a continuous influx and outflow of individuals each year. The term "net migration" refers to the difference between arrivals and departures. According to the latest estimates, Wales' population rose to 3.2 million as of June 2024, thanks to net international migration adding around 23,000 people over the past year. A recent YouGov poll revealed that one in four residents in Wales believes immigration, along with economic issues, should be prioritized by the Welsh government, despite immigration policies being under the UK government's jurisdiction. This raises questions about public interest in immigration and what the statistics indicate. The figures on international migration encompass individuals planning to stay for a minimum of 12 months, including British nationals returning from abroad and newcomers from various countries. The majority of these individuals migrate for work or study, whereas others join family members or arrive under humanitarian initiatives, such as those for Ukraine and Hong Kong, or to seek asylum. There is often confusion surrounding key immigration terms. Legal immigrants are those allowed to enter the country, typically through a visa, while illegal immigrants enter without permission or remain after their visas have expired. Some legal and illegal immigrants may apply for asylum upon arrival. Asylum seekers request refuge due to threats in their native countries, and successful applicants receive refugee or protected status. Aside from the Nation of Sanctuary policy aimed at aiding refugees and asylum seekers in integrating into Welsh society, the UK government maintains oversight of immigration. Data from the Home Office as of December 2025 indicates that Wales supported 11 asylum seekers per 10,000 residents, the lowest rate among the UK's four nations, while England recorded 16 asylum seekers per 10,000 residents. Wrexham, a county in north Wales, has approximately 138,245 residents according to the latest ONS estimates from June 2024. From 2020 to 2024, net international migration contributed an estimated 2,900 people to Wrexham’s population. However, due to other demographic shifts, such as a higher number of deaths than births, the overall population increase was less significant. The area has recently witnessed anti-immigration protests following scrapped Home Office plans to accommodate 70 asylum seekers in a defunct care home. Attendee Natalie Wasiuk, 38, expressed concerns that local homeless individuals were not prioritized over immigrants. Kelsey Hesp, 32, echoed similar sentiments, feeling that newly arrived families received housing support before locals. "Seven years I was homeless with my two children," she shared. "Yet, there are families coming over here and they get housing. No matter the color or language, we all bleed the same; but when it comes to housing and jobs, I’m sorry." The Home Office is legally obligated to provide housing for asylum seekers during their claim process. Local Welsh authorities also have duties to assist the homeless, but the extent of support varies by circumstances. At the end of December 2025, Home Office figures indicated that Wrexham housed 128 asylum seekers while their applications were processed. There is no available data on the entry status of these individuals. Additionally, 333 households in Wrexham qualified for homelessness support in the year ending in March 2025, with no breakdown on whether these cases involved British nationals or migrants. Steven Rees-Davies, 63, noted he often discusses immigration with friends, stating, "Don’t get me wrong, I understand asylum for those escaping war, but those arriving illegally get our support, which I believe is wrong." Official estimates indicate that most individuals coming to the UK do so legally, with around 898,000 arriving in the year leading to June 2025, while approximately 49,000 did so illegally. Some illegal entrants, notably those arriving by small boats, eventually seek asylum, allowing them to remain in the UK during the review of their claims. In 2025, around half of all asylum applications were made by individuals who entered the country illegally. Anna Buckley, director of the Polish Integration Support Centre in Wrexham, described the city as welcoming. "Every year, we assist about 300 individuals who seek help with housing or starting businesses," she said. "Legal migrants are hardworking, pay taxes, and desire safety. We are one international family, and I fully support legal migration, but I oppose illegal migration." She voiced concerns about illegal immigration potentially leading to crime. In Pendine Park Care Home, situated on Wrexham's outskirts, Arlene Elano, a Filipino staff member, has worked legally in Wales for nearly 24 years and mentioned rising tensions from the protests. "Some people think we are all illegal immigrants because of our skin color and features," she expressed. "It threatens our children's safety." In Wrexham, many recognize the vital role of legal migration in sectors like healthcare and hospitality. Mario Kreft, director of Pendine Park, remarked that the sector would be "lost" without its migrant workforce, which comprises about half of its 850 staff hailing from various countries. Prof. Ryszard Piotrowicz from Aberystwyth University noted that political parties may leverage immigration as a campaign tool ahead of the Senedd election. He stated, "Parties recognize that votes can be gained by this issue and tend to manipulate it. Communities are genuinely worried. Unless funding increases to support newcomers applying for asylum, resources may dwindle for the existing Welsh population." The Home Office, responsible for immigration and border control, reported having removed nearly 60,000 illegal immigrants and foreign offenders since the 2024 election, with recent figures indicating that most left voluntarily. The department is also working to transfer individuals lacking the right to stay from expensive hotel accommodations to larger, simpler lodgings. The Welsh Conservatives and Reform party seek to eliminate Wales' Nation of Sanctuary policy, advocating for a balanced system that supports contributors while collaborating with the UK government to halt illegal immigration. Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru advocates for a fair and controlled migration system tailored to Wales’ distinct needs. Welsh Labour expressed pride in supporting those fleeing conflict in Ukraine and emphasized that the UK Labour Government committed to ramping up removals of illegal migrants. Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, cited that the primary challenge facing Wales and its public services is the exodus of young individuals over the previous 27 years of Labour governance. The Green Party aims to advocate for a stronger, efficient asylum system that includes safe routes for migrants. For further information on immigration trends and statistics in Wales, visit the Home Office's official site and the Office for National Statistics. Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9d443d4n33o

No Result