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UK immigration latest: Net migration falls to 246,000 in lead-up to Brexit as thousands of EU citizens leave UK immigration latest: Net migration falls to 246,000 in lead-up to Brexit as thousands of EU citizens leave
(35 minutes later)
Net migration to the UK has fallen by a quarter to 246,000 in a year as EU citizens flee Britain ahead of Brexit, new figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show.Net migration to the UK has fallen by a quarter to 246,000 in a year as EU citizens flee Britain ahead of Brexit, new figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show.
The number of people arriving to live long-term in the country was down by 81,000 on the previous year, in what the ONS called a “statistically significant change”. Analysts said the referendum result was causing a dramatic decrease in migration from the EU, which has sparked warnings over "brain drain" from vital industries.
The figure shows net migration, showing the number of people moving to the UK minus those leaving it, at the lowest level for three years. The number of people arriving to live long-term in Britain was down by 81,000 on the previous year, in what the ONS called a “statistically significant change”.
The ONS said the change was mostly caused by plummeting arrivals from the European Union, which fell by 51,000, the number of EU citizens leaving Britain rose by 33,000. The figure shows net migration - the number of people moving to the UK minus those leaving it - at the lowest level for three years.
The ONS said the change was mostly caused by plummeting arrivals from the European Union, which fell by 51,000, as the number of EU citizens leaving Britain rose by 33,000.
“The net migration change was driven by an increase in emigration, mainly for EU citizens and in particular EU8 citizens, and a decrease in immigration across all groups,” Nicola White, the head of international migration statistics,added.“The net migration change was driven by an increase in emigration, mainly for EU citizens and in particular EU8 citizens, and a decrease in immigration across all groups,” Nicola White, the head of international migration statistics,added.
“These results indicate that the EU referendum result may be influencing people’s decision to migrate into and out of the UK, particularly EU and EU8 citizens. It is too early to tell if this is an indication of a long-term trend.”“These results indicate that the EU referendum result may be influencing people’s decision to migrate into and out of the UK, particularly EU and EU8 citizens. It is too early to tell if this is an indication of a long-term trend.”
Of the 51,000 non-British citizens who returned to their home countries, 44,000 were EU citizens - up 20,000 from the previous year - half of whom were from eight countries including Poland that joined the EU in 2004.Of the 51,000 non-British citizens who returned to their home countries, 44,000 were EU citizens - up 20,000 from the previous year - half of whom were from eight countries including Poland that joined the EU in 2004.
Stephen Clarke, a policy analyst at the Resolution Foundation, said the changes will have “significant implications for the UK’s labour market”.
“The fall in net migration was driven by those from Eastern Europe, with the most significant fall coming from nationals of the EU8 countries, including Poland and the Czech Republic,” he added. 
“Net migration by this group was just 7,000 in the year to March, down from around 40,000 a year ago.”
Seamus Nevin, the head of employment and skills policy at the Institute of Directors, said “no one should celebrate” the stark figures.
He added: “Given unemployment is currently at its lowest level ever (4.5 per cent), without the 3 million EU citizens living here the UK would have an acute labour shortage. 
“Signs that it is becoming a less attractive place to live and work are a concern.”
The Institute is among the groups warning that ongoing uncertainty over the rights of EU citizens already living in the UK is causing a “brain drain” from of skilled workers from vital industries.
Of the 275,000 people who arrived to work, the majority had a definite job waiting and a smaller proportion - 87,000 – came looking for a job.Of the 275,000 people who arrived to work, the majority had a definite job waiting and a smaller proportion - 87,000 – came looking for a job.
Meanwhile, the number of people moving abroad to work increased by 21,000 to 122,000.Meanwhile, the number of people moving abroad to work increased by 21,000 to 122,000.
Long-term immigration to study fell for all nationalities and most international students were non-EU citizens.Long-term immigration to study fell for all nationalities and most international students were non-EU citizens.
A total of 16,211 people were also granted asylum, resettlement or other protection in the year to June.A total of 16,211 people were also granted asylum, resettlement or other protection in the year to June.