By Giuseppe De Santis
Despite political claims to the contrary, a new report indicates that immigration poses a significant financial burden on British taxpayers. New figures from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) reveal that foreign spouses and partners brought to the UK are costing the public purse tens of billions of pounds over their lifetimes.
The audit found that foreign-based partners arriving on visas will cost the state an average of £109,000 each if they remain in the UK for life.
Key Findings:
The Cost: The MAC calculated this figure by analysing 51,000 partners who arrived in 2022/23. They weighed tax and visa contributions against the cost of welfare, NHS use, and care.
Total Impact: When extrapolated to the 359,400 foreign partners who arrived between 2018 and 2024, the total cost to the state is estimated at a staggering £39.2 billion.
Rising Numbers: Partner visas issued by the Home Office have risen sharply, from 47,500 in 2019 to 67,100 last year.
Asylum and Refugee Routes
Against the backdrop of 1,300 small boat arrivals in the past few days, the audit also concluded that migrants entering through asylum routes make an “unambiguously negative” contribution to public funds.
The MAC cited international comparisons, noting that the lifetime net fiscal cost of an asylum seeker is estimated at minus £390,000 in the Netherlands and minus £198,000 in Australia.
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