The pie charts compare the main reasons for migration to and from the UK in 2007.
Overall, employment was the most significant factor for both immigration and emigration. However, study was a much more important reason for people moving to the UK, while leaving the country was more often associated with job seeking and unstated reasons.
In terms of immigration, the largest proportion of people moved to the UK for a definite job, accounting for 30%. This was followed by formal study, which represented 26% of arrivals. A further 15% migrated to accompany or join someone, while 12% came looking for work. Smaller proportions migrated for other reasons (11%) or did not state a reason (6%).
Regarding emigration, a definite job was also the leading reason, at 29%. Looking for work was the second most common factor, making up 22%, which was almost double the figure for immigration. In contrast, only 4% of emigrants left the UK for formal study. Those accompanying or joining others accounted for 13%, while 18% gave no stated reason and 14% cited other reasons.