Migration in Barnsley

Migration has long shaped Barnsley’s rich industrial heritage. Today, we’re a community, embracing diversity and innovation as we look to the future. With key developments like The Glass Works and the Digital Media Centre, Barnsley is a vibrant hub of culture, opportunity, and progress—a place where history inspires growth, and everyone can thrive.

With so much in the news about migration in the UK, here's some information about what's happening locally in Barnsley.

Learn the facts, share the truth.

What is an asylum seeker?

An asylum seeker is someone who has had to leave their home country because they fear being harmed due to things like their race, religion, nationality, or political beliefs. When they arrive in a new country, they ask for permission to stay legally while their situation is reviewed, a basic human right protected by international law.

What is a refugee?

A refugee is someone who has been granted permission to stay in a new country after proving that returning home would pose serious risks. They have the same rights as permanent UK residents.

Who is a migrant?

A migrant is someone who moves from one country to another, often for work or education. This move can be temporary or permanent.

Some common myths, busted.

"They're all coming here from Afghanistan."

The most common countries of origin for people moving to Barnsley from abroad are Poland, Romania, India, Pakistan, and Slovakia.

This suggests that Barnsley is attracting working-age migrants from mainly Eastern European and South Asian countries.

Find out more on the Migration Yorkshire website.

"Barnsley is overpopulated by asylum seekers and refugees."

Between the years 2011 and 2021, the population in Barnsley only increased by 5.8%.

According to the 2021 census, 225,400 Barnsley people said they were born in England, that's 92.3% of the total population.

For more information you can visit the Census website.

"Barnsley is flooded with asylum seekers who contribute nothing and take all the council housing."

As of June 2024, 270 asylum seekers are living in various accommodations across Barnsley, which is less than 0.25% of the total population.

There are currently no asylum hotels in Barnsley. By law, asylum seekers cannot apply for benefits, work, or join the social housing register. Private companies provide all housing for asylum seekers. This is MEARS Group PLC in Barnsley. Asylum seekers have no say in where they live. They receive a subsistence allowance of £49.18, per person, per week directly from the government, not from local authorities.

Find out more on the Migration Yorkshire website.

"They only come here for benefits."

Asylum seekers are not allowed to work, and migrants are less likely to claim benefits or live in social housing compared to people born in the UK. Data shows that most migrants come to the UK to work, not to claim benefits. Asylum seekers can apply to work after one year if they're not responsible
for the delay in their asylum application.

For more details, check out the Migration Observatory website.