The two pie charts illustrate the primary reasons why people immigrated to and emigrated from the United Kingdom in 2007. Overall, work-related reasons were dominant in both charts, although the proportions varied considerably between immigration and emigration.
Regarding immigration, the largest group of people came to the UK for formal study, accounting for 30% of all immigrants. This was followed by those who had a definite job offer, at 26%, and those accompanying or joining family members, at 15%. A smaller proportion came looking for work at 11%, while 12% stated no reason, and the remaining 6% cited other reasons.
In contrast, the pattern for emigration was somewhat different. The biggest share of emigrants left the UK to look for work abroad, representing 29% of the total. Those who left for a definite job made up 22%, making work-related emigration notably high overall. Accompanying or joining someone accounted for 18%, while 14% gave no reason. Other reasons and formal study represented 13% and 4% respectively.
In comparison, formal study was a far more significant pull factor for immigrants than for emigrants, where it was the smallest category. Conversely, looking for work was the leading reason for leaving the UK but ranked lower among those arriving. Both charts show that definite job opportunities played an important role in movement in both directions.