Foreign-Born Employment Gap
Immigration increased to around 116,000 in 2024, bouncing back from a low of around 83,000 in 2020.
Last updated: 2026-03-19
Key insights
- Immigration increased to around 116,000 in 2024, bouncing back from a low of around 83,000 in 2020.
- Emigration rose significantly to around 86,000 in 2024, following a notable increase from around 73,000 in 2023.
- The employment rate for ages 20-64 was 80% in 2024, slightly down from 81% in 2023, while long-term unemployment remained relatively stable at around 3.3%.
Analysis
The data reveals a significant rebound in immigration, which rose to approximately 116,000 in 2024 after a pandemic dip to around 83,000 in 2020. This trend indicates a gradual recovery in the number of people moving to the country, suggesting a renewed interest in settling in the area. The increase from around 94,500 in 2023 to 116,000 in 2024 marks a positive shift in immigration patterns.
On the other hand, emigration also saw a considerable rise, reaching around 86,000 in 2024, up from around 73,000 the previous year. This increase may reflect various factors influencing individuals' decisions to move abroad. The employment rate for individuals aged 20-64 was reported at 80% in 2024, a slight decrease from 81% in 2023. Meanwhile, long-term unemployment stayed relatively stable at around 3.3%, indicating a consistent level of long-term joblessness despite fluctuations in the overall employment rate. These trends highlight the complex dynamics of the labor market and migration patterns in recent years.