In the twelve months to December 2024, approximately 948,000 people migrated to the United Kingdom, while 517,000 emigrated away from the country, resulting in a net migration figure of 431,000.

In 2024, approximately 948,000 million people migrated to the United Kingdom, while 517,000 people migrated from the UK, resulting in a net migration figure of 431,000. There have consistently been more people migrating to the United Kingdom than leaving it since 1993 when the net migration figure was negative 1,000. Although migration from the European Union has declined since the Brexit vote of 2016, migration from non-EU countries accelerated rapidly from 2021 onwards. In the year to June 2023, 968,000 people from non-EU countries migrated to the UK, compared with 129,000 from EU member states. Immigration and the 2024 election Since late 2022, immigration, along with the economy and healthcare, has consistently been seen by UK voters as one of the top issues facing the country. Despite a pledge to deter irregular migration via small boats, and controversial plans to send asylum applicants to Rwanda while their claims are being processed, Rishi Sunak's Conservative government lost the trust of the public on this issue. On the eve of the last election, 20 percent of Britons thought the Labour Party would be the best party to handle immigration, compared with 13 percent who thought the Conservatives would handle it better. Sunak and the Conservatives went on to lose this election, suffering their worst defeat in modern elections. Historical context of migration The first humans who arrived in the British Isles, were followed by acts of conquest and settlement from Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Danes, and Normans. In the early modern period, there were also significant waves of migration from people fleeing religious or political persecution, such as the French Huguenots. More recently, large numbers of people also left Britain. Between 1820 and 1957, for example, around 4.5 million people migrated from Britain to America. After World War Two, immigration from Britain's colonies and former colonies was encouraged to meet labour demands. A key group that migrated from the Caribbean between the late 1940s and early 1970s became known as the Windrush generation, named after one of the ships that brought the arrivals to Britain.

According to the source, the number of immigrants that arrived in Spain illegally in 2018 amounted to approximately ******, representing the peak of the period under consideration. In 2024, over ****** irregular immigrants arrived at the Mediterranean country.

In 2024, approximately 766,000 people from outside the European Union migrated to the United Kingdom, compared with 122,000 people from European Union countries, and 60,000 British nationals.

From January to June 2025, the highest number of illegal immigrants that arrived in Spain via land and sea came from Mali, with approximately ***** people. The immigrants from Senegal and Algeria were the second and third most numerous group, with ***** and ***** people leaving their country of residence, respectively. More than ****** illegal immigrants reached the Iberian country in 2024. A risky journey Spain, together with Italy and Greece, are the main points of entry to Europe for illegal migration. Most arrivals happen through the Mediterranean Sea, which is a very dangerous journey for migrants. While active since 2006, the migration route from the coasts of West Africa to the Canary Islands (the closest territory of the European Union) has become particularly popular in recent years, even though so many people lost their lives their. Undocumented minors Among those reaching the Spanish territory are undocumented and unaccompanied minors, known in Spanish as "menas” (Menores Extranjeros No Acompañados). In 2018, the number of unaccompanied and separated children that arrived by sea exceeded *****, which represented the largest figure since at least 2014. This number decreased by approximately ***** cases in 2020. Nearly half of them came from Morocco, separated from Spain by merely ** kilometres of water at the Gibraltar Strait's narrowest point.

In 2024, approximately 36,816 people reached the United Kingdom by crossing the English Channel in a small boat. Attempts to reach the UK via the Channel have increased significantly since 2020, with travel and trade disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic likely one of the main factors.

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Border Security Market Size 2025-2029

The border security market size is forecast to increase by USD 27.49 billion at a CAGR of 8.5% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is driven by the increasing concern for data breaches and the modernization of maritime border security. With the proliferation of digital technologies, the risk of cyber attacks and data breaches at borders is a significant concern for governments worldwide. This has led to a rise in investments in advanced border security solutions, including biometric identification systems and surveillance technologies. Moreover, the modernization of maritime border security is another key driver for the market. The market encompasses platforms such as patrol aircraft, ground attack helicopters, transport helicopters, amphibious aircraft, marine vessels, and submarines. With the rise in maritime trade and the increasing number of migrants entering countries through sea routes, there is a growing need for advanced security systems to ensure the safety and security of coastal areas.
However, the market faces challenges such as strict government rules and regulations, which can hinder the adoption of new technologies and the implementation of border security initiatives. Additionally, the high cost of implementing these solutions can be a significant barrier for many countries, particularly those with limited budgets. Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities must navigate these challenges effectively by collaborating with governments and offering cost-effective, innovative solutions that comply with regulations. The DoD is also reallocating funds from its internal budget to bolster shipbuilding efforts in response to China's expanding naval fleet.

What will be the Size of the Border Security Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The market is witnessing significant advancements, driven by the integration of technology and international cooperation. Predictive modeling and data analytics platforms are revolutionizing threat identification, while unmanned aerial vehicles and autonomous vehicles enhance surveillance capabilities. Biometric identification and psychological profiling are becoming standard for border control, with artificial intelligence and machine learning powering these systems. Interagency coordination is essential for effective border security strategies, and international treaties establish legal frameworks for information sharing. Advanced surveillance systems employ behavioral analysis, quantum computing, and encryption standards to secure borders. Counter-terrorism strategies incorporate open source intelligence and cyber warfare. Training and development in human factors and security standards are crucial for border security personnel.
Simulation and modeling tools help optimize field operations, and automated border control streamlines the traveler processing experience. Biometric passports and blockchain technology ensure secure document authentication. The market's future trends include the adoption of advanced technologies like AI, biometrics, and encryption to strengthen border security policies.

How is this Border Security Industry segmented?

The border security industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Platform

  Air
  Land
  Sea


Component

  Laser
  Radar
  Camera
  Perimeter intrusion
  Others


Type

  Platform-based systems
  Stationary systems
  Portable systems


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada
    Mexico


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Platform Insights

The air segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market encompasses a range of technologies and strategies aimed at safeguarding national territories from various threats, including illegal immigration, weapons trafficking, and cross-border crime. Access control and immigration control are crucial components, with advanced systems employing biometric authentication and facial recognition for efficient identification. Intelligence gathering is integral, utilizing data analysis, threat analysis, and information sharing among law enforcement agencies. Physical barriers, such as fence systems and physical barriers, are complemented by surveillance systems, including security cameras, motion detection, and night vision. Remote sensing and vulnerability assessment help in identifying potential weaknesses, while border agents and security personnel ensure an effective response and emerg

The largest number of immigrants in Germany were from Ukraine, as of 2023. The top three origin countries were rounded up by Romania and Turkey. Immigrants are defined as having left a country, which may be their home country, to permanently reside in another. Upon arriving, immigrants do not hold the citizenship of the country they move to. Immigration in the EU All three aforementioned countries are members of the European Union, which means their citizens have freedom of movement between EU member states. In practice, this means that citizens of any EU member country may relocate between them to live and work there. Unrestricted by visas or residence permits, the search for university courses, jobs, retirement options, and places to live seems to be defined by an enormous amount of choice. However, even in this freedom of movement scheme, immigration may be hampered by bureaucratic hurdles or financial challenges. Prosperity with a question mark While Germany continues to be an attractive destination for foreigners both in and outside the European Union, as well as asylum applicants, it remains to be seen how current events might influence these patterns, whether the number of immigrants arriving from certain countries will shift. Europe’s largest economy is suffering. Climbing inflation levels in the last few months, as well as remaining difficulties from the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic are affecting global economic development. Ultimately, future immigrants may face the fact of moving from one struggling economy to another.

With nearly 49,000 living in Denmark as of January 1, 2024, most immigrants were from Poland. The second and third largest groups of immigrants were from Ukraine and Romania, amounting to roughly 41,000 and 40,000 people, respectively. Tightening immigration policies Like many European countries, Denmark experienced a heightened influx of immigrants in 2015. In the wake of the refugee situation, however, the number of immigrants, notably asylum seekers, declined in part due to sharpened immigration policies. In 2015, over 21,000 refugees applied for asylum in Denmark, whereas applications fell below 5,000 in 2022. Residence permits Among the different types of residence permits, permits granted based on asylum were the least delivered type of permit. Only 1,400 people were granted asylum in Denmark in 2022. The highest number of asylum seekers came from Ukraine, even when excluding Ukrainians arriving via the temporary protection act. In 2022, Denmark registered around 2,000 applications from Ukrainians.

In the second quarter of 2025, approximately 81.5 percent of people born in the European Union but living in the UK were employed, compared with 74.6 percent for the UK-born population, and 75.6 percent for people outside the EU and UK. Since 2006, the employment rate for people born in the EU has consistently been higher than UK nationals and non-EU nationals.

As recorded by the source, Moroccans ranked as the foreign nationality with more residents in Spain in 2023, closely followed by Romanians. After years of losing its foreign population, Spain’s immigration figures started to pick up in 2015, with the number of people that moved to the Mediterranean country surpassing the number of foreigners that decided to leave.

A matter of balance The net migration rate of Spain changed its course mainly due to the great inflow of foreigners that move to reside in the Mediterranean country. Spain’s immigration flow slowed down after the 2008 financial crisis, albeit the number of foreigners that opted to change their residence saw a significant growth in the last years. In 2022, Colombians ranked first as the foreign nationality that most relocated to Spain, distantly followed by Moroccans and Ukranians.

Spain does not have the highest number of immigrants in Europe In recent years, the European Union confronted a rising number of refugees arriving from the Middle East. Migration figures show that Germany accommodated approximately 15 million foreign-born citizens, ranking it as the country that most hosted immigrants in Europe in 2022. By comparison, Spain’s foreign population stood slightly over seven million, positioning the Western Mediterranean country third on the European list of foreign-born population. Unfortunately, thousands of persons have died ore gone missing trying to reach Spanish territory, as more and more irregular migrants opt to use dangerous maritime routes to arrive at Southern Europe from Africa's coasts.