The latest net migration figure (to June 2011) is 250,000. Commenting, Sir Andrew Green, Chairman of Migration Watch UK, said:
"These figures are disappointing. They show that the immigration super tanker has been brought to a halt but massive efforts by the government will be essential if their manifesto promise is to be kept. For example, the student visa system, which admits half a million non-EU students a year, needs a much more effective means of testing whether the applicants are genuine and intend to return home.