1. The Migration Observatory
Recent changes in immigration policy: What are the implications for London?
Martin Ruhs
The Migration Observatory
LSE Roundtable
5 Oct 2012

2. Migration and London About ½ of UK’s migrants live in London
1/3 of London pop. born abroad, of whom ¼ recent migrants
new migrants, some of the longest settled migrants

5. Key features and issues
Pop churn and mobility  provision of public services
Polarity of migrant labour market: richest and poorest
Big intra-regional differences between inner and outer boroughs
High reliance on migrants in low-wages sectors incl. construction, hospitality, contract cleaning and residential care (2/3 of care assistants in London FB; 95% of London underground workers FB)
Estimated 600,000 illegally resident migrants (LSE 2009)
London less opposed to immigration than GB as a whole

8. Policy: UK and London
Central government has no specific migration policy for London
But various initiatives by London mayors and others, e.g. Refugee Integration Strategy 2009 London Enriched; London Strategic Migration Partnership => focus on integration
2010 support for regularisation and opposition to cap
Admission and integration

9. Key changes in immigration policy
Non-EU labour immigration: cap and greater selectivity
Cap undersubscribed
Biggest impact on medium/lower skilled occupations including chefs and social care
Non-EU family immigration: higher earnings threshold
=> Labour supply in low-waged jobs? Housing?
Non-EU students: abuse and reducing numbers
further education and universities; evidence base weak;
[census; new local area estimates; losers and winners]

10.
See especially: