In a striking shift in global migration patterns, Nigeria has emerged as the second-largest source of long-term migrants to the United Kingdom in 2024, according to the latest data released by the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Friday, May 23.
The figures show that 120,000 Nigerians migrated to the UK in the 12 months leading up to June 2024, trailing only India, which saw 240,000 of its nationals make the move.
The report focused on non-EU+ nationals—those from outside the European Union and associated countries—and analyzed their reasons for migration, age demographics, and countries of origin.
Top 5 Non-EU+ Countries of Origin to the UK in 2024:
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India – 240,000
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Nigeria – 120,000
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Pakistan – 101,000
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China – 78,000
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Zimbabwe – 36,000
The data highlights a continued wave of migration for work and education, reflecting the UK’s growing reliance on skilled foreign workers and its appeal as a hub for international students.
According to the ONS:
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417,000 non-EU+ nationals came for work-related reasons (including skilled and seasonal jobs).
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375,000 arrived for education-related purposes.
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Other significant categories included asylum (84,000), family reunification (76,000), and humanitarian/resettlement routes (67,000).
Migrant Demographics:
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52% male, 48% female
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82% of migrants were aged 16–64, the typical working age.
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17% were children under 16, while only 1% were seniors aged 65 and above.
This migration boom comes at a time when the UK government is ramping up efforts to reduce net migration. Despite that, the influx from countries like Nigeria underscores both the country’s growing role in global talent mobility and the persistent challenges facing UK immigration policy.
Related developments show net migration to the UK has dropped by half to 431,000 in 2024, but the demand for skilled foreign labor and students remains high, particularly from nations outside the EU.
