New stat reveals how much low-skill migration really costs UK
The official spending watchdog has revealed the cost of low-paid migrants by the time they reach pension age.
Low-paid migrant workers cost taxpayers more than £150,000 by pension age, the spending watchdog OBR has revealed.
A migrant arriving at 25 and earning half the UK average wage contributes less to the economy than they consume in public services, the Office for Budget Responsibility said.
David Miles, of the OBR, said: "I think the characteristics of migrants, in terms of their earnings and how long they stay, are as important, if not more important, than the absolute numbers.
He added: "The characteristic of migrants, perhaps not surprisingly, matters a great deal."
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By the age of 66, the total cost is estimated at £151,000.
This rises to nearly £500,000 if they live to 80, and over £1 million if they reach 100.
Whereas British-born workers are expected to generate a surplus of £280,000 by pension age, taking into account health and education spending.
While low-paid migrants cost more, the OBR noted that skilled migrants provide a financial boost, contributing significantly more in taxes, mainly because they aren't educated in the UK.
The average skilled migrant, who is not educated in the UK, also pays visa fees and health charges of around £12,500.
The minimum salary to be sponsored for a Skilled Worker Visa was increased from £26,200 to £38,700 under the Conservative government.
Migrants were also banned from bringing any dependents when arriving in the UK on a visa.
Current Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has indicated she is in favour of "some further restrictions on visas".
