Gaps in UK migration statistics hamper public debate and policy decisions, study shows

A study by the University of Oxford's Migration Observatory reveals significant gaps in UK migration statistics, hindering informed public debate and effective policy decisions. The research identifies ten areas lacking sufficient data, including immigration enforcement, undocumented populations, and the impact of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) on immigration cases. The absence of comprehensive data makes it difficult to understand how many immigration cases are affected by the ECHR, a key issue in ongoing debates about the UK's membership. Researchers highlight the challenge of tracking asylum seekers through the system due to poorly linked records, making it difficult to assess outcomes for those refused asylum or the appeals processes they undertake. The findings come as the government proposes changes to asylum and migration rules, including potential legislation impacting the use of human rights laws in deportation cases.

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