Low-paid migrant workers cost taxpayers more than £150,000 by pension age, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
The watchdog’s latest report revealed that a low-paid migrant arriving at 25 and earning half the UK average wage contributes less to the economy than they consume in public services.
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.
OBR official David Miles said that the ‘characteristics of migrants’ including their earnings and length of stay were more important than their earnings, Data suggests that low-paid migrants earning half the UK average wage contribute less to the economy than they use in public services
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.
David Miles of the OBR told The Telegraph: ‘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.’
If all migrants earned 50% less than the UK average, debt would rise to 350% of GDP by 2074.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has indicated she is in favour of ‘some further restrictions on visas’.
However, if they earned 30 per cent more, debt would increase to only 225%.
The findings will strengthen calls to reduce low-skilled migration, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer advocating for stricter controls on immigration.
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’.