London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said that skilled migrants give more money to the UK economy than British workers. He strongly defended migrants, saying they should not be called “sponges or skivers” as some people claim.
His comments came a day after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised to reduce net migration and tighten border rules. Mr Starmer said the number of migrants coming into the UK each year is too high, pointing out that net migration in 2023 was around 906,000 people, almost the size of Birmingham’s population.
But Mr Khan said the Prime Minister’s statement does not reflect how much skilled migrants actually help the economy. He said that migrants bring value not only in money but also in social and cultural ways. “I want to thank those who are migrants for what they do for our great city,” he added.
Mr Khan, whose parents came from Pakistan, said he understands this issue personally. “I am the son of immigrants and I am proud to be a Londoner and a Brit,” he said. He shared facts showing that skilled migrants contribute an average of £16,000 a year to the economy—even after using public services. In comparison, he said, a British skilled worker adds only £800.
The mayor also said that the families of skilled migrants help the economy more than those of British workers. He stated that these families contribute around £12,000 each year to the economy, while the average British family takes about £4,400 when services are included.
He added that international students, who are mostly migrants, often pay double or triple the tuition fees that UK students pay. This shows that migrants are helping to fund the system rather than draining it.
Mr Khan’s comments come as the government looks at tougher rules, including stricter English language tests like the IELTS. Some migrants, especially from countries like Nigeria, still have to take these expensive tests even though English is widely spoken there.
Mr Starmer says new policies are needed to “take back control” of UK borders, but Mr Khan believes that the country should better recognise the value of skilled migrant workers and their families.