The immigration to the United Kingdom before and after Brexit

The Brexit process, marked by the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union in 2020, represented a pivotal moment in modern political and economic history. The referendum that led to Brexit was significantly influenced by concerns over immigration, with promises of "taking back control" of borders via the "leave" campaign. However, the actual impact of Brexit on immigration, particularly legal immigration, was complex and multifaceted. Contrary to what was assumed, the numbers of migrants haven't decreased but rather increased since 2020. This thesis offered a critical and comprehensive analysis of the consequences of Brexit for the UK’s immigration regime. It explored how the legal and institutional frameworks governing migration had evolved through the substantial reforms to asylum policy and labour migration pathways. The study also investigated sectorial labour market impacts, particularly in areas historically dependent on EU labour such as hospitality, agriculture, and healthcare, where labour shortages had become increasingly pronounced. Drawing on both quantitative data, including migration statistics and visa issuance figures, and qualitative sources such as policy documents and news reports, the thesis assessed how Brexit has reshaped the dynamics of migration governance in the UK. It concluded by identifying emerging trends and offering policy-relevant insights into the long-term implications of a post-Brexit migration system increasingly characterised by restriction, selectivity, and securitisation.