Up to one in 12 in London is an illegal migrant

London has an estimated 585,000 illegal migrants, making up one in 12 residents, according to a confidential report. This raises concerns about border control and the strain on public services like schools and the NHS.

Many illegal migrants work in the black economy, particularly as food delivery drivers. The Home Office has not provided official figures on this issue. The study, commissioned by Thames Water, estimates over one million illegal migrants in the UK, with 60% in London. Most entered on temporary visas and overstayed. Experts believe the figures may be underestimated, as data dates back to 2017. In 2024, 38,816 migrants had crossed the Channel, the second highest total recorded.