The "Boris Immigration wave" (or "Boriswave") refers to a record surge in legal migration to the UK following the implementation of post-Brexit immigration rules under Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Despite promises to reduce numbers, net migration reached record highs, rising from 184,000 in 2019 to over 900,000 by 2023.

 

The "Boris Immigration wave" (or "Boriswave") refers to a record surge in legal migration to the UK following the implementation of post-Brexit immigration rules under Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Despite promises to reduce numbers, net migration reached record highs, rising from 184,000 in 2019 to over 900,000 by 2023.

 

Key Aspects of the Boris Immigration Wave:

Post-Brexit Policy: The wave followed the introduction of a new Australian-style points-based immigration system after the UK left the EU, which was intended to control immigration but actually opened new, highly used routes for work and study.

Key Drivers: The increase was driven by post-pandemic labor demand, particularly in health and social care, as well as significant visa routes for citizens from Ukraine and Hong Kong, says this YouTube video.

Student and Dependent Visas: A major contributor was the increase in international students, particularly those allowed to bring dependents (spouses and children) who were permitted to stay and work after graduating, says this Yahoo article.

Political Impact: The term is frequently used by political opponents, such as Nigel Farage, to criticize the Conservative government for failing to curb, or even causing, mass migration, says The Guardian.