Immigration 'will remain high despite the recession'

BRITAIN'S recession will have little long-term impact on immigration levels and the number of arrivals will remain high, a report said today.

The study, commissioned by the Government's Equalities and Human Rights Commission, says social and family links to the UK, a desire to learn English and economic slowdown in home countries will deter immigrants from leaving. It also suggests the flow of migrants into the UK will pick up as the economy improves.

The report will add to the debate about the impact of the recession on migration amid ministerial claims that it will lead to a drop in the recent record numbers of arrivals to Britain.

But today's report, by the Migration Policy Institute, rejects this conclusion: "The overall impact of the recession on the size of the UK's immigrant population is likely to be small," it states.

The number of international students in London has soared by nearly 3,000 in a year. Study London, which represents the capital's universities, said its figures show London is the world's most popular destination to study.