Nigeria, Zimbabwe among top five sources of UK migrants in 2024
Nigeria has emerged as the second-largest source of long-term migrants to the United Kingdom in 2024, according to newly released data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The figures show that 120,000 Nigerians relocated to the UK in the 12 months leading up to June 2024, second only to India, which topped the list with 240,000 migrants.
Zimbabwe also ranked among the top five, with 36,000 migrants moving to the UK during the same period, underscoring the growing mobility of African nationals seeking opportunities abroad.
The data, which focuses on non-European Economic Area (non-EEA) nationals, those from outside the EU, and other key European states, provides insight into the nationalities, demographics, and motivations behind long-term migration to the UK. The top five countries of origin were: India (240,000), Nigeria (120,000), Pakistan (101,000), China (78,000), and Zimbabwe (36,000).
The report indicates a fairly even gender distribution, with 52% male and 48% female among non-EEA migrants. The majority, 82%, were of working age (16–64), while 17% were children under 16. Only 1% were aged 65 or older.
Employment remains the primary driver of migration, with 417,000 migrants arriving for work-related reasons, including skilled and seasonal labour. Education followed closely, accounting for 375,000 arrivals, reaffirming the UK’s status as a leading global destination for international students.
Other reasons cited include asylum (84,000), family reunification (76,000), and humanitarian routes and resettlement (67,000).
