London’s Hidden Population: Report Estimates Up to One in 12 Residents Are Illegal Migrants

[Social Media]

 

A recent report claims that as many as one in 12 people living in London could be illegal migrants, amounting to an estimated 585,000 individuals. This startling figure highlights the capital’s status as a hub for undocumented migration, with 60% of all illegal migrants in the UK believed to reside in the city.  

 

The study, commissioned by Thames Water, provides estimates suggesting that between 390,355 and 585,533 people in London meet the criteria for being illegal migrants. Most undocumented individuals are thought to have initially entered the UK legally on work, study, or visitor visas but later overstayed their permitted durations.  

 

The findings were obtained through freedom of information-style requests and aim to shed light on the scale of undocumented migration in the capital. The Home Office itself does not release specific data on illegal migrant numbers, making this report a rare insight into an issue that is often difficult to quantify.  

 

Nationally, the study estimates that approximately 1 million unauthorized migrants could be living across the UK, with London accounting for the majority. However, migration experts have suggested that even these figures might be conservative, as much of the underlying data dates back to 2017—prior to the significant increase in Channel crossings.  

 

The research was initially conducted to identify “hidden” and “transient” water users in London, aiming to improve the utility provider’s ability to meet customer demands. By analyzing National Insurance registrations from non-EU nationals, the study pinpointed irregular migration patterns across the city’s boroughs.  

 

There are numerous pathways through which individuals can become illegal migrants in the UK. These include overstaying work, study, or visitor visas, entering the country illegally, or remaining in the UK after an asylum claim has been rejected. Additionally, children born in the UK to undocumented parents may also be considered illegal migrants under the law.  

 

Although precise figures are challenging to determine, most undocumented migrants are believed to originate from regions such as Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Americas. The situation has been further exacerbated by an ongoing rise in Channel crossings. On Tuesday alone, the Home Office reported that 129 migrants crossed the Channel, with many more arrivals the following day.  

 

The issue has put significant political pressure on the UK government. In 2024, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed to reduce both legal and illegal immigration. However, critics argue that the Labour Party has yet to implement sufficient measures to address the problem.  

 

When questioned by reporters, Mr. Starmer defended his government’s approach, stating, “Cutting immigration will only be done with a serious plan.” He emphasized that targeting criminal smuggling networks remains one of the most effective strategies to combat illegal immigration, underscoring the need to disrupt these operations at their roots.  

 

As the debate over immigration continues, the report’s findings highlight the complexity of managing London’s growing population and the broader challenges of addressing undocumented migration across the UK.

 

Based on a report by The Standard 2025-01-25

 

 

[The Cyclist]

Tip of the iceberg.

 

Between 300 - 500k in London alone. Triple that number and it would be more accurate.

[JonnyF]

Hidden?

 

They're everywhere. Can't miss them. 

 

The only thing hidden are the balls of those in charge.

[bokningar]

12 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Hidden?

 

They're everywhere. Can't miss them. 

 

The only thing hidden are the balls of those in charge.

You don't have to hide what you don't have

[Chomper Higgot]

 

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

The research was initially conducted to identify “hidden” and “transient” water users in London, aiming to improve the utility provider’s ability to meet customer demands.

 

Let’s put aside the issue of a private business accessing National Insurance Data for a moment and consider Thames Water’s motivations?

 

Perhaps a diversion to the costly requirement to fix leaks in the water distribution pipework.
 

But at least we now know what Thames Water were doing instead of not polluting the UK’s rivers with sewage.

 

They took their eye of their actual job and look what happened:

 

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jan/24/thames-water-credit-rating-slashed-as-administrators-approached

[The Cyclist]

11 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

 

 

Let’s put aside the issue of a private business accessing National Insurance Data for a moment and consider Thames Water’s motivations?

 

Perhaps a diversion to the costly requirement to fix leaks in the water distribution pipework.
 

But at least we now know what Thames Water were doing instead of not polluting the UK’s rivers with sewage.

 

They took their eye of their actual job and look what happened:

 

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jan/24/thames-water-credit-rating-slashed-as-administrators-approached

 

Think that is called denial, obfuscation and whataboutery.

 

Supermarkets were claiming the official population figures were utter garbage at least 15 years ago.

[mikeymike100]

So what are the UK government doing about it?? Inviting more in?

[Jim Blue]

Not in West London .....

[leonard beaven]

Call trumpy he will get shot of em.

[Neeranam]

Round them up Trump style and deport them all. 

What is stopping them kicking out illegals? 

[Andrew65]

3 hours ago, The Cyclist said:

 

Think that is called denial, obfuscation and whataboutery.

 

Supermarkets were claiming the official population figures were utter garbage at least 15 years ago.

Was it Tesco that estimated Britain's population to be around 80 million rather than the official figure of 67 million?

Also, if illegals aren't counted in the official numbers, it puts London's population at close to 10 million rather than close to 9 million.

[PomPolo]

Wouldn't surprise me at all these stats, Donald Trump for prime minister (obviously I know that is not possible despite his Scottish heritage)

I should have said someone like Donald Trump for Prime Minister!

About time the politicians stop playing by the woke band.

[PomPolo]

The politicians should be advocating for 99% of their citizens and not the minority 1% that choose to live their lives differently or are just outright criminals living in the country illegally.

[Andrew65]

4 minutes ago, PomPolo said:

Wouldn't surprise me at all these stats, Donald Trump for prime minister (obviously I know that is not possible despite his Scottish heritage)

I should have said someone like Donald Trump for Prime Minister!

About time the politicians stop playing by the woke band.

Donald's British government would still be signed-up to the ECHR.

[JonnyF]

1 hour ago, mikeymike100 said:

So what are the UK government doing about it?? Inviting more in?

The aim of this government is to give as much money away as possible. 

 

To harm the country to appease their hand wringing white guilt about the empire. 

 

They know reparations won't fly so they give it away in foreign aid and try to put Britain in its place via the back door.

 

Cause as much damage as possible without making it look deliberate.

 

The enemy is within. 

 

 

[Will B Good]

1 hour ago, mikeymike100 said:

So what are the UK government doing about it?? Inviting more in?

 

Yes...exactly that....in order to replace all the nice, clean, white skinned Europeans we threw out......(Brexit)....... for people with dark skin......but at least now we can spot them easily if they need attacking.

[PomPolo]

4 minutes ago, Andrew65 said:

Donald's British government would still be signed-up to the ECHR.

I think he would withdraw and with the fear of Europe not getting the extortionate amount of money they get paid from the UK now they would relent as they wouldn't be able to operate.
The total financial settlement, often referred to as the "divorce bill," was initially estimated at £30.2 billion. By December 2023, the UK had paid approximately £23.8 billion, leaving an outstanding balance of about £6.4 billion

[JonnyF]

2 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

Yes...exactly that....in order to replace all the nice, clean, white skinned Europeans we threw out......(Brexit)....... for people with dark skin......but at least now we can spot them easily if they need attacking.

 

You think Europeans are still white skinned, nice and clean? 

 

You need to travel to more major European cities. Put down The Guardian and get out more. 

 

Reality beckons. 

[Will B Good]

2 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

You think Europeans are still white skinned, nice and clean? 

 

You need to travel to more major European cities. Put down The Guardian and get out more. 

 

Reality beckons. 

 

Got some notion as I lived in mainland Europe for 25 years.......but thanks for the advice.

[PomPolo]

11 minutes ago, Andrew65 said:

Donald's British government would still be signed-up to the ECHR.

Also the UK laws adequately laws to protect every citizens human rights who needs another country or conglomerate of countries telling you what is right or wrong, that is the reason long term Brexit was a good idea - screwed the pound up in the short term but no pain no gain!

[JonnyF]

1 minute ago, Will B Good said:

 

Got some notion as I lived in mainland Europe for 25 years.......but thanks for the advice.

 

You're welcome.

 

Here's some more advice. Check how the demographics of mainland Europe have changed since then. 

 

The strange death of Europe by Douglas Murray would be a good place to start.

 

I won't charge for that advice. 

[Will B Good]

1 minute ago, JonnyF said:

 

You're welcome.

 

Here's some more advice. Check how the demographics of mainland Europe have changed since then. 

 

The strange death of Europe by Douglas Murray would be a good place to start.

 

I won't charge for that advice. 

 

Too late....cheque is in the post.

[Andrew65]

2 minutes ago, PomPolo said:

Also the UK laws adequately laws to protect every citizens human rights who needs another country or conglomerate of countries telling you what is right or wrong, that is the reason long term Brexit was a good idea - screwed the pound up in the short term but no pain no gain!

The ECHR was passed into British law. But it isn't just about immigration, the Good Friday Agreement is dependent upon Britain being signed-up to it.

[JonnyF]

1 minute ago, Will B Good said:

 

Too late....cheque is in the post.

 

I don't accept hooky cheques.

 

Besides living in Thailand I charged what you can afford so there was no need. 

[Will B Good]

1 minute ago, JonnyF said:

 

I don't accept hooky cheques.

 

Besides living in Thailand I charged what you can afford so there was no need. 

 

 

You think I'm poor because I live in Thailand?

[Theforgotten1]

19 minutes ago, Andrew65 said:

Donald's British government would still be signed-up to the ECHR.

Not Paul Golding from Britain First , they are the only ones who will sort the immigration problem , sorry the problem is not immigration it’s the MPs 

[PomPolo]

4 minutes ago, Andrew65 said:

The ECHR was passed into British law. But it isn't just about immigration, the Good Friday Agreement is dependent upon Britain being signed-up to it.

Very fair point @Andrew65 in terms of US politics the British Law could be gone with the swipe of a pen, with the US six justices appointed by Republican presidents and three appointed by Democratic presidents no issues getting an executive order through.  If a sensible party in the UK was voted in with a large majority there would be no issues with getting it through the commons either and ignore the OAP's in the Lords

[Chomper Higgot]

2 minutes ago, Andrew65 said:

The ECHR was passed into British law. But it isn't just about immigration, the Good Friday Agreement is dependent upon Britain being signed-up to it.

And all judicial cooperation between signatory states, including sharing criminal intelligence data, and also all extradition treaties between signatory states.

Oh, and the UK-EU Trade and cooperation agreement (Who signed that I wonder?!)

[Chomper Higgot]

5 minutes ago, Theforgotten1 said:

Not Paul Golding from Britain First , they are the only ones who will sort the immigration problem , sorry the problem is not immigration it’s the MPs 

They make easy promises to fix complex problems in the sure knowledge that they’ll never be in a position to have to deliver on their promises.

 

[SiSePuede419]

21 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

The enemy is within. 

After that Australian Bogan told you to hate foreigners ("BREXIT")...

Now he's fooling you to hate your own citizens.

 

Suckers. 🤣

 

Criminal Laws: Undocumented immigrants must follow the same criminal laws as citizens. Crimes such as theft, assault, or murder apply equally to everyone regardless of immigration status.

 

2. Civil Laws: They are also subject to civil laws, such as paying taxes (if working, many undocumented immigrants pay taxes through ITINs) and obeying traffic laws.