In the latest release from the Census 2021 data, it has been reported that the number of dual citizens living in England and Wales has significantly increased over the past decade. Here are the main points from this release:
- 1.26 Million Dual Citizens: In 2021, across England and Wales, a total of 1.26 million usual residents held multiple passports, which accounts for 2.1% of the population. This figure has seen a substantial increase from 612,000 (1.1%) in 2011.
- UK-Born Dual Citizens: Among UK-born residents, 1.2% were identified as UK-other dual citizens, which equates to 587,600 individuals. This marks a notable rise from 0.5% in 2011 (231,600).
- Non-UK-Born Dual Citizens: Among non-UK-born residents, 6.5% held UK-other dual citizenship in 2021 (648,700), a significant increase from 5.1% in 2011 (381,200).
- UK-EU Dual Citizens on the Rise: The proportion of UK-EU passports held increased by five times for UK-born residents and threefold for non-UK-born residents since 2011. Similarly, UK-Irish dual passports also saw a sixfold increase for UK-born residents.
- Age and Naturalization: Non-UK-born dual citizens tended to be older, with a median age of 40 years for EU-UK dual citizens and 35 years for EU-only passport holders. UK-born dual citizens were younger, with a notable portion aged under 16 years.
- Passport Combinations: The majority of multiple passport holders were dual citizens holding a UK and another passport. The most common combinations of interest were UK and EU, UK and non-EU, and UK and Irish dual citizens.
- Increase Since 2011: The number of dual UK and another citizenship usual residents doubled from 613,000 (1.1%) in 2011 to 1,236,000 (2.1%) in 2021, primarily due to increases in the non-UK-born population.
This data indicates a significant shift in citizenship patterns in England and Wales, with an increasing number of residents holding dual citizenship. The rise in UK-EU dual citizens suggests increased EU-born immigration, while naturalization among non-UK-born residents has also played a role. This information sheds light on the evolving demographics of the region.
For more details and in-depth analysis, you can refer to the official Census 2021 release dated August 31, 2023.