Rise in emigration could boost international payments

UK emigration rose to a new high of 427,000 for 2008, new official figures have shown.

According to the Office of National Statistics, 175,000 Britons and 255,000 non-British citizens moved away last year.

In 2007, total emigration numbers were 341,000, including 169,000 non-Britons.

The number of citizens of central and eastern European states which are part of the EU included in the emigration total rose from 25,000 to 69,000 from 2007 to 2008.

The upwards trend in emigration could boost the foreign money exchange sector, with many Britons choosing to send money back from their new homes.

Net immigration levels for last year stood at 163,000, with 85,000 UK citizens returning from abroad over the course of 2008.

Britons formed the largest single group within the immigration total.

Commenting on the new ONS results, Phil Woolas, the immigration minister, said: "Our new flexible, points-based system gives us greater control over those coming to work or study from outside Europe, ensuring that only those that Britain need can come."

Posted by Alison Stephenson