THE EQUALITY IMPLICATIONS OF BEING A MIGRANT IN BRITAIN
Americas Africa Asia Oceania British overseas Total+
11,280 28,820 63,935 3,815 130 122,595
495 1,105 1,370 85 5 8,775
11,775 29,925 65,305 3,900 135 131,370
Source: Home Office, 2007a. Note: +Total includes unknown nationalities.
However, permanent residence is granted to non-European family members of EEA nationals who have been legally resident in the UK for the required period (usually five years). It is actually conferred automatically, so the numbers on Table 2.8 are a large underestimate: they include only those who have applied for documents to prove their permanent residence (such as those in insecure employment, those who may have trouble convincing others of their nationality or rights, such as black and ethnic minority Europeans, and non-European family members of European nationals). Settlement is granted to others who have completed the required number of years as explained above. The number of migrants opting for citizenship has markedly increased in the past decade in line with increasing levels of immigration (Figure 2.1). The dip in 2006 may be attributable to the introduction of English and Life in Britain tests at the end of 2005.
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