The Migration Observatory aims to inform migration debates through authoritative, independent, transparent and strictly evidence based analysis of data on migrants and migration issues in the UK, set in an international context.
All our analysis is up-to-date, easily accessible and responsive to the evolving migration debate. We provide an interactive platform where users can comment on our analysis, and suggest new briefings and policy primers.
Find out more in Frequently Asked Questions.
Key sections of the website
- News & commentary: Expert commentary on current migration news and issues
- Briefings: Up-to-date analyses of key migration trends and impacts
- Charts: Tables, charts and maps explaining the latest migration data
- Policy primers: Research evidence on public policy issues relating to migration
- Reports: Original and independent research and analysis
Key features of the Observatory
Authoritative
The Migration Observatory is a part of Oxford University’s Centre on Migration Policy and Society (COMPAS) and as such adheres to the very highest standards of academic rigour. It draws on a range of experts from a variety of disciplines throughout Oxford University.
Read more about what academic integrity means to us.
Independent
The Migration Observatory is completely independent and does not aim to achieve any policy goal. The objective of the Observatory is to provide solid, fact-based analysis that can be used to inform all sides of the debate.
Read more about what independence means to us.
Comprehensive
The Migration Observatory covers all aspects of migration and looks in depth at each of the issues. It examines connections and links between issues and the costs and benefits of various courses of action to an array of different economic and social scenarios.
Clear
A key strength of the Migration Observatory is the clarity of not only its data and analysis but also of its limitations and its overall presentation. The site ensures that data and analysis are presented in the most user-friendly manner possible – ensuring that it is suitable for a range of users from leading academics to senior school students. It also outlines clearly where there are evidence gaps.
Engaging
The Migration Observatory has also been designed to be as engaging as possible, encouraging users to explore issues and deepen their knowledge of the issue by introducing topics in accessible language, and allowing more advanced users to easily probe the complexities of issues.
COMPAS
The Migration Observatory is based at the Centre on Migration, Policy and Society (COMPAS) at the University of Oxford. The mission of COMPAS is to conduct high quality research in order to develop theory and knowledge, inform policy-making and public debate, and engage users of research within the field of migration.
