Migration Flows

Last update: 9 July 2024
Next update: TBC

The statistics in this section are for flow–based migration estimates for the year ending 30 June (mid-year) which show people moving to or from an area.

There is a cross-GSS programme of work, being led by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), to transform migration statistics through greater use of administrative data. 

Flow-based migration estimates are currently available for the years up to mid-2022. Data from mid-2011 to mid-2021 has been revised following Scotland's Census 2022 and updated long-term international migration data.

Data

	Total migration to or from Scotland, mid-1952 to mid-2022
	Migration within Scotland, mid-2002 to mid-2022
	Rest of the UK migration, mid-2002 to mid-2022
	International migration, mid-2002 to mid-2022

Main Points

• Net migration into Scotland in 2021-22 was substantially higher than any other year in the past decade. Net migration more than doubled between 2020-21 and 2021-22, from 22,200 to 48,800. The next highest figure from the last decade was 28,100 in 2018-19.
• Total migration into Scotland is a combination of international migration and migration from other parts of the UK. The increase in total migration was largely due to an increase in international migration. 
• Average net migration from other parts of the UK has been fairly stable over the last decade, averaging +9,000 people. It was higher in 2021-22, at +12,500 people.
• Most of the increase in total migration in 2021-22 was due to higher levels of international migration. The net figures for international migration increased from 13,300 in 2020-21 to 36,300 in 2021-22. This was due to a combination of more in-migration in the last year, and lower levels of out-migration over the past two years. 
• Published data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency shows that the increase in international migration is largely due to a significant increase in the number of international students studying at universities in Scotland.

Some commentary on the latest migration statistics can be found in the report for rebased mid-year population estimates following Scotland's Census 2022.

Open data and interactive map

Rebased migration flows will be updated on statistics.gov.scot shortly after publication. We will also aim to update and upload our interactive map of migration flows within Scotland as soon as possible.

Government Statistical Service (GSS) Migration Statistics Publication Strategy 

The GSS has published a strategy which sets out the agreed framework for international
migration publications across the UK GSS. The full strategy can be read on the Government Analysis Function website. 

Contact Us

Please get in touch if you need any further information, or have any suggestions for improvement.

E-mail: [email protected]

Lead Statistician: Esther Roughsedge

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