Why do migrants come to the uk and not stay in france

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Migrants often choose the UK over France due to better economic opportunities, established diaspora communities, and language advantages. The UK's minimum wage was £11.44 per hour in 2024 compared to France's €11.65, and unemployment rates were lower at 4.3% versus 7.5% in France. English language proficiency among migrants facilitates integration, and family reunification policies attract those with existing networks. The Dublin Regulation's limitations and Channel crossings via small boats, which peaked at 45,755 arrivals in 2022, also influence migration patterns.

Key Facts

In 2022, 45,755 migrants crossed the English Channel to the UK, a record high according to UK government data.
The UK's minimum wage was £11.44 per hour in 2024, while France's was €11.65, with lower unemployment at 4.3% vs 7.5% in France.
Under the Dublin Regulation, the UK returned only 231 asylum seekers to EU countries in 2019 before Brexit.
English is spoken by over 1.5 billion people globally, making it a key pull factor for migrants seeking integration.
The UK hosts established diaspora communities, such as over 1 million Polish-born residents as of 2021, facilitating chain migration.

Overview

Migration to the UK instead of France is driven by historical, economic, and social factors. Post-World War II, the UK attracted Commonwealth migrants through policies like the 1948 British Nationality Act, establishing early diaspora networks. In the 21st century, EU expansion in 2004 brought waves of Eastern European migrants, with Poland becoming a major source. Brexit in 2020 altered dynamics, but the UK retained appeal due to its strong economy and English language. France, while a transit point, sees fewer long-term stays due to stricter integration policies and higher unemployment. The English Channel has become a focal route, with small boat crossings surging since 2018, highlighting the UK's perceived opportunities despite risks.

How It Works

Migrants choose the UK through a combination of push-pull factors and practical mechanisms. Economically, the UK offers higher wages and lower unemployment, with sectors like healthcare and construction actively recruiting. Socially, existing diaspora communities provide support networks, encouraging chain migration via family reunification. Linguistically, English's global dominance eases integration compared to French. Legally, the Dublin Regulation's inefficiencies—where the UK returned few asylum seekers pre-Brexit—and UK asylum policies create perceived advantages. Logistically, migrants often transit through France, using smugglers for Channel crossings, despite dangers. Post-Brexit, new rules like the 2023 Illegal Migration Act aim to deter arrivals but haven't eliminated the allure of the UK's job market and social systems.

Why It Matters

This migration pattern has significant real-world impacts. For the UK, it addresses labor shortages in key industries but strains public services and fuels political debates, influencing policies like Brexit and border controls. For France, it creates challenges in managing transit camps like Calais's 'Jungle,' dismantled in 2016. Globally, it highlights disparities in EU asylum systems and the risks of irregular migration, with Channel crossings causing humanitarian concerns. Economically, migrants contribute to UK GDP but face integration hurdles. Socially, it shapes multicultural dynamics, with over 9.5 million foreign-born residents in the UK as of 2021, affecting community cohesion and international relations.