BBC: Romanian becomes second most common non-UK nationality

People with Romanian nationality have become the second most common non-British population living in the UK.

The Office for National Statistics says the total number of Romanian nationals rose by 25% from 2016 to 2017, reaching 411,000, bbc.co.uk reports.

Of the 65,176,000 residents in the UK, 6.2 million were non-UK nationals – up by 4%.

The number of people living in the UK but born abroad was up by 3% from 2016 – 9.4 million of the total population.

The figures show that 61% of the non-UK nationals number – or 3.8 million – are from the EU.

For the growing number of Romanians coming to Britain, the attraction is mainly the ability to work and earn more than they would do in their home country.

There are signs however that the number of EU nationals seeking employment may have plateaued, with registrations for national insurance numbers in the 12 months to the end of March down 20% on the previous year.

The next set of figures, in August, will confirm whether that’s a blip or a trend.

Poland remains the most common non-UK nationality, with an estimated one million Polish people living in the UK.

After Romania, third place goes to the Republic of Ireland, with 350,000 nationals in the UK.

India falls to fourth with 346,000 nationals in the UK – a place formerly held by Romania, the same source informs.

The non-UK population – both those who are born abroad or are not British nationals – has increased every year since reporting began in 2004.