Migrants say multicultural town is 'very welcoming'

New census data shows a region's population has reached record levels, in part due to immigration.

The West of England's biggest rise has been in Swindon, where immigration has increased by 30% in 20 years. One in five of its residents were born outside the UK.

Many who have moved to the region work in health and social care, as well as IT, though thousands also come to study.

Sudha Sri Nukana who migrated from India with her husband Vamsa to work in IT said Swindon is "very welcoming for new people".

"When I came for the first time In 2010, I hardly [knew anyone], but I never felt as a stranger in Swindon because I am always welcomed by many communities here," she added.

While all parts of the West of England have grown, the biggest increases have been seen in towns and cities.

Latest government figures show a decline in the number of National Insurance Numbers (NI) being issued to people born in the EU and an increase in those for people born in Africa and Asia.

The shift has been described as a result of "the post-Brexit immigration system", by Dr Ben Brindle, researcher at Oxford University's Migration Observatory.

Census returns from 2001 and 2021 show Bristol's population rose by 24%.

It also asks people about their country of birth; the proportion of the city's residents not born in the UK has risen to 19%.

But the West saw the biggest rise in Swindon, where a fifth (20%) were born overseas.

The data shows that people from India now make up Swindon's biggest community.

Mrs Nukana, who is also a conservative councillor for Rodbourne Cheney, described the people of Swindon as "kind and generous".

"I've never felt alone because people are always there to support each other.

"The people here are so kind and the smiley faces [they have] when you go out for a walk and the way they approach you is inclusive," she said.

Since Brexit the numbers coming to the UK from the EU have tumbled, instead employers often recruit from Asia.

The trend can also be seen in the region's NHS.

A quarter of doctors in the South West of England's hospitals were born overseas. For nurses the figure is higher, with most being born in Asia.

However, recent changes to immigration policy have made it more difficult for people to bring loved ones over to the UK on a family visa.

Henry Maina, who is originally from Kenya, has been fighting to bring his wife over to live with him in Gloucester for 25 years.

"It's been difficult, us virtually living two lives, them over there and me over here," Mr Maina said, adding it had been a stressful time for the whole family.

The Home Office said it cannot comment on individual cases while a legal process is ongoing.

Many EU citizens who came before Brexit have stayed and people born in Eastern Europe make up one of the West's largest groups.

Annastasia Duka and her husband came to the UK eight years ago from Latvia.

They both have jobs in Swindon, and are happily settled.

She said: "Swindon is quite multicultural and convenient. We're just blessed to have so much countryside around.

"I really enjoy people here. It's a convenient, welcoming and positive environment. The town's small so people know each other more."

Another increase in immigration has come from international students. More than 24,000 are enrolled at the West's universities.

But rules have been tightened, meaning most cannot now bring family members.

It was one of several changes made by the last government to try to reduce immigration.

As a result, the pace of change in the West is expected to slow.