Two thirds of Britons say the total number of people entering the UK is too high

A new Ipsos poll reveals significant concerns about immigration levels. It also highlights mixed views about the impact of immigration on society, as well as a range of specific policies on immigration and asylum.

Overall perception of immigration

• Overall immigration levels: Two in three (67%) Britons believe the total number of people entering the UK is too high, with 43% stating it is "much too high." Around two in ten (21%) think that current immigration levels are about right, while only 4% think the number is too low.
• Specific immigration purposes: Public concern is highest regarding those coming to the UK to seek refugee status or asylum, with 68% deeming the numbers too high. Lower but still significant proportions think immigration is too high for those coming to live with family (57%), or to work (41%). However, less than two in five (37%) think that levels of people coming to the UK to study are too high.

• Understanding of refugee status: 77% of respondents expressed confidence in their understanding of the difference between refugees and other immigrants.
• Impact of immigrants: While views are mixed, positive perceptions outweigh negative ones regarding immigrants' impact on culture and arts (31% positive vs. 23% negative). However, the public is considerably more negative about a range of other impacts, particularly levels of crime (13% vs. 52%) and housing availability (13% vs. 59%).

• Impact by immigrant group: Over half (54%) of Britons think that skilled workers have a positive impact. Students, and European/Commonwealth immigrants are viewed relatively positively. Conversely, unskilled workers and refugees/asylum seekers receive the most negative assessments.

Perception of government performance

• Government performance: Two in five (40%) Britons believe the current Labour government is handling immigration about the same as the previous Conservative government. 17% feel Labour is doing a better job, while a third (33%) think they are doing worse.
• Support for specific policies:
  • High support: There are high levels of support for deporting immigrants who commit serious crimes (78% support vs 6% oppose), increasing funding for border patrols to prevent Channel crossings (64% support vs 11% oppose), and banning people who enter the UK illegally from ever gaining citizenship (63% support vs 16% oppose).
  • Moderate support: Just over half of Britons support making it easier for skilled people to move to the UK (56% support vs 16% oppose) and reducing the number of visas given to immigrants coming to the UK (54% support vs 17% oppose).
  • Divided opinion: British public opinion is divided on providing more routes for people escaping war and persecution to enter the UK legally (43% support, 28% oppose) or as refugees (38% support vs 31% oppose), making it easier for people regardless of skills to move to the UK and take jobs in sectors with a shortage of employees (39% support vs. 33% oppose), and increasing the number of visas given to international students to help fund UK universities (39% support vs 27% oppose).
  • Opposition: The only policy polled that has greater opposition than support is increasing aid to countries where asylum seekers come from. Three in ten (30%) support this policy, while 40% oppose it.

Commenting on the findings, Allaa Barri, Associate Director at Ipsos, said:

Our latest poll reveals a complex picture of British public opinion on immigration. There is significant concern about overall immigration levels, particularly the number of those seeking asylum. However, public perception of immigrants' impact varies considerably depending on the perceived area of impact – with more positive views on cultural contributions, but far more negative views regarding crime and housing availability. This nuanced view is further reflected in the public's policy preferences, with strong support for stricter controls alongside more divided opinions on issues like refugee intake and international students. These findings highlight the complex challenge facing policymakers, who must balance clear public anxieties with the need for a fair and effective immigration system.

Technical note: 

• Ipsos interviewed a representative sample of 1,100 online British adults aged 18-75. Polling was conducted between the 11th and 13th April 2025.
• Data are weighted to match the profile of the population. All polls are subject to a wide range of potential sources of error.