There are several myths surrounding immigration to the United Kingdom. Some of these are trivial misconceptions, but others can cause significant damage to the reputation of the country or its residents. As a company that serves immigrant populations around the world, Remitly provides more than just financial services — we also keep you connected with useful tips and information. Below, we debunk some of the most prominent myths surrounding UK immigration.
Immigration misinformation and why it matters
Immigration myths, whether they’re focused on government decisions or stereotypes about specific groups, can be harmful to UK locals and expats alike. They can also influence the decisions of people who wish to immigrate to the UK. Unbalanced media reporting, political rhetoric, and misinformation are the main culprits for the spread of myths and misinformation.
Clearing up these myths is crucial to ensuring the country enjoys a good standing in the world, and facilitates balanced policy-making discussions. It also helps immigrants get a realistic picture of what to expect when they make their big move.
Myth 1: Rwanda has only committed to taking a few hundred migrants
In 2022, the UK struck a deal with Rwanda to deport illegal migrants and refugees to the country in exchange for money. The myth about Rwanda not accepting the expected amount of refugees most likely originated from unbalanced media reporting and misinformation from different political quarters in the UK and Rwanda.
The truth is that the UK-Rwanda deal did not specify the number of people that would be deported. That means the figure would vary depending on the need and the capacity of Rwanda to handle it.
This deal was announced in April 2022. However, in November 2023, the Supreme Court in the UK declared it unlawful because Rwanda was not considered a safe haven for asylum seekers.
The UK government cancelled it in 2024 and rerouted the funds intended for the scheme to the creation of a new border agency. Nobody was forcibly sent to Rwanda under the deal, and it is unlikely that things will change soon.
Such a myth may undermine future agreements between countries because it spreads misinformation about the specifics of international deals.
Myth 2: The UK does not have return agreements with other countries
There is growing concern among UK nationals that the government does not have solid return agreements with countries from which immigrants originate. This myth is often amplified by political narratives and social media misinformation.
In reality, the UK has signed agreements with many countries to facilitate the seamless deportation of illegal migrants. Some of the countries that have active return agreements with the UK include:
- Pakistan
- Afghanistan
- Nigeria
- China
- South Korea
- Somalia
- Switzerland
- Angola
- Vietnam
- Albania
- South Sudan
- Moldova
The list above is by no means exhaustive but a mere sample. For a more comprehensive list and the details of the agreements, visit the House of Commons Library website. These agreements and their actual impact are sometimes overlooked because of the political rhetoric and the propaganda that prevails. In reality, many illegal migrants have returned to their home countries quietly.
It’s equally important to acknowledge that the UK government seeks to carry out deportations humanely and within the confines of the law. This may sometimes make it appear like the government does not have enough measures in place to control illegal migration.
Such a myth can adversely affect how policy-makers approach matters regarding immigration. It can also encourage people without proper documentation to move to the UK thinking they will not face any consequences. Exposing the truths and falsehoods is key to ensuring everyone understands the real situation.
Myth 3: There are no safe and legal routes for refugees to come to the UK
Some people argue that the challenges surrounding UK immigration can partly be attributed to the lack of clear policies or routes to admit refugees and asylum seekers into the UK. This myth may originate from political rhetoric and activists who wish to make the country more accessible to people in need.
The truth is that the United Kingdom offers several pathways for refugees and asylum seekers to enter the country.
- Resettlement programs for refugees: The government supports efforts to relocate people from volatile areas or war zones. Resettlement programs allow individuals in such areas to be settled in the UK.
- Family reunification programs: The UK holds the family unit in high regard, which is why it offers family reunification pathways. Individuals can submit applications to have their families move to the UK in case they are separated. In fact, applications for family reunions can be done from within and outside of the country itself.
- Special visas: The government also offers special visas to refugees and asylum seekers from different regions of the world. If anyone needs to move to the UK for their safety or the safety of their family, they can claim asylum by submitting a visa application according to the regulations in place.
While there are legal pathways for refugees and asylum seekers to enter the UK, their effectiveness is still debatable. For instance, how realistic is it for a person in hiding to apply without compromising their safety?
Capacity limits, strict eligibility criteria, and bureaucracies also compromise legal pathways into the UK, which is why myths inevitably start creeping up. Regardless of prevailing issues, the truth is that people can enter the UK through legal means.
Providing clear information about these routes can ensure more people use legal means to enter the country.
Myth 4: The illegal migration bill is incompatible with current legislation
Again, this myth is mainly fueled by activists and politicians who wish to gain political capital. Opponents say the bill has sections that conflict with the European Convention on Human Rights and a slew of modern slavery laws. They argue that it makes it difficult for people to claim asylum and contest deportation.
On the other hand, proponents support the bill because it can help prevent exploitation, such as human trafficking, and illegal immigration.
Law experts are divided on the bill because both sides seem to have valid arguments. It is important for everyone to learn about the bill and only share accurate information, as that is likely to give a better understanding.
Myth 5: Immigrants are taking up all the jobs
People who oppose the country receiving immigrants often claim that many of the migrants take up jobs that should be beneficial to nationals. However, research has produced results that paint a completely different picture.
IZA World of Labor reports that there is no real data to indicate that immigrants take up all the jobs. In fact, immigrant entrepreneurs or innovators create new jobs. Another thing to consider is that some jobs require a certain set of skills that the local population may not have.
Most immigrants fill up jobs that locals do not apply to. This ensures that the country diversifies its economy and continues to achieve social, political, and economic growth. Some of the sectors that experience a shortage of workers or skills include healthcare, construction, hospitality, and agriculture.
Immigrants who take up jobs in these sectors pay taxes to the country and this contributes to its economic growth. They also start businesses that not only add to the revenues but also create more job opportunities. Perpetuating this myth may end up compromising the way policy-makers approach the issue of immigrant employment. This may lead to adverse effects on the economy.
The myth may also lead to xenophobic tendencies, which can only breed violence and hatred.
Myth 6: Immigrants are responsible for an increase in crime
Many people have bought into the myth that immigrants are a factor in the increase in crime. Poor media reporting and social media misinformation often blow up crimes that are committed by immigrants, which further fuels the misconception.
In reality, data from law enforcement agencies show that crimes committed by immigrants are not numerous enough to cause a spike in levels. An increase in the immigrant population in an area does not cause any significant increase in the amount of crime.
Of course, this does not mean that immigrants have not committed crimes or that they are unable to. But several studies have often shown that immigrants are even more law-abiding than natives and contribute to enhancing the security of their communities.
Spreading this myth only causes tension between natives and immigrants. It can also lead to xenophobia and hate crimes, which is why it should be discouraged at all times.
Myth 7: Immigrants don’t integrate into British society
Some people claim that migrants into the UK do not make an effort to learn about the culture and integrate into society. As is often the case with these myths, the originators are politicians and activists who have a hidden agenda.
Many foreigners move to the UK because they love the culture and the opportunities available in the country. Many learn the English language and become an integral part of their local community, even contributing ideas and solutions that benefit society.
Immigrants do not necessarily let go of their original cultures, but instead contribute part of the good from it to build an even better British culture. The United Kingdom is a melting pot of world cultures, and this is part of what makes it a great country.
Myth 8: Immigration is only about people coming from poor countries
Both mainstream and social media tend to focus on immigrants who come from poor countries. This has contributed to the misconception that immigrants only come from poor countries to take up jobs and opportunities from locals.
In reality, immigrants come from all parts of the world. They come in all forms, including the poor and the rich. While some bring their skills and talents to the country, others come to invest their wealth and create business opportunities.
Some immigrants also move to the UK to establish families, especially if they have fallen in love with a British national. Claiming that migrants only come from poor countries prevents people from appreciating the full picture of why immigrants move to the UK.
The value of immigration
Almost all myths about immigration to the UK stem from misinformation and misconceptions. The result is that people become apprehensive about the whole thing and prevent the nation from achieving its full potential.
In truth, migrants contribute significantly to making the country successful. They offer skilled labor, create employment opportunities, and boost the economy. Plus, immigration leads to a cultural exchange and richness that helps the society grow as a whole.
FAQs
Do immigrants have to speak English before getting a visa?
Yes. Work and student visas require applicants to demonstrate knowledge of the English language before getting approval.
What happens if an immigrant overstays their visa in the UK?
Overstaying a visa in the UK can have negative consequences, depending on the circumstances. Deliberately overstaying a visa may lead to deportation and a ban on re-entry. Fines and detention may also be part of the consequences.
Are there legal pathways for immigrants to enter the UK?
Yes. Individuals can apply for different types of visas that grant legal entry into the country. These include student visas, work visas, investor visas, family visas, visitor visas, and refugee or asylum seeker visas.
