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Report reveals big rise in national insurance numbers for overseas nationals

Monday, 30 July 2007

A total of 15,614 non-UK nationals in Northern Ireland were issued with National Insurance numbers during 2005/06, an increase of 9,788 (168%) on the 2004/05 figure of 5,826.

This is one of the key findings of the latest in the series of statistical reports entitled “National Insurance Number Allocations to Overseas Nationals Entering Northern Ireland” published today by the Department for Social Development.

It contains information on National Insurance Number allocations and registrations made to non-UK nationals entering Northern Ireland. National Insurance Numbers are required for employment/self-employment purposes or to claim benefits and tax credits. The registrations figures include registrations in 2005/06, whereas the arrivals series covers tax years up to and including 2004/05.

Some of the main findings include:

  • 10,433 individuals arrived in the UK in 2004/05 and registered for a National Insurance Number (NINo) with a Northern Ireland address by the end of 2006.
  • The total number of NINo registrations to non-UK nationals in 2005/06 was 15,614 an increase of 9,788 (168%) on the 2004/05 figure of 5,826.
  • Registrations to nationals of the ten EU Accession countries increased from 1,657 to 10,177 between 2004/05 and 2005/06, with Poland being the largest country represented.
  • Belfast remained the most likely destination for migrants over the period of analysis, 30% of registrations in 2005/06 were made to migrants living in the Belfast City Council area.
  • Of the 10,433 total arrivals into Northern Ireland in 2004/05, 574 (6%) were claiming a key out-of-work benefit - Jobseeker’s Allowance, Incapacity Benefit or Income Support -within 6 months of NINo registration. This represents a sharp fall on the previous year, when 12% of arrivals claimed an out-of-work benefit within 6 months of NINo registration.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The data covers non-UK nationals allocated a National Insurance Number (NINo) on the National Insurance Recording System (NIRS). The figures cover non-UK nationals allocated a NINo for whatever reason, i.e. the figures cover benefit/tax credit recipients as well as workers. All non-UK nationals allocated a NINo are included, regardless of their length of stay in the UK.
  2. The Arrivals figures are subject to future change as they do not include arrivals who had not yet applied for or been allocated a NINo by the time the data extract for the statistics was taken (31st December 2006). The Registrations figures will only be subject to very minor, if any, future change.
  3. Corresponding information is produced for the UK by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Their latest report can be obtained from the DWP website at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/niall/niall_report.pdf
  4. Copies of this report can be obtained from the Department’s website at http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/nino-allocations-ni-2007.pdf or Social Welfare Statistics and Consultancy Branch, 4th Floor James House, 4 Cromac Avenue, Gasworks Business Park, Belfast, BT7 2JA
  5. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9497. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.