International Migrants Day History

International Migrants Day aims to recognize immigrants' contributions, efforts, and essential roles worldwide. This Observance encourages public understanding and respect while raising awareness about the fundamental rights of migrants. International Migrants Day is a call for unity to address the challenges and hardships migrants face, including exploitation and discrimination, and to celebrate the diversity and enrichment migrants bring to host societies globally.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the day December 2000, which all UN members, including the United Kingdom, adopted. The UK recognizes the vital contribution made by migrants who, coming from a wide array of cultures, have enriched society by boosting the economy and enhancing diversity. As a nation that has had a considerable history of immigration, International Migrants Day is of particular relevance to the UK, providing an opportunity to reflect on the positive contributions that migrants have brought to British society and to address systemic issues that affect immigrants' rights.

In the United Kingdom, International Migrants Day is marked by several events, dialogues, and recognitions at both governmental and community levels. It is a time for policy discussions, community gatherings, cultural exchanges, and educational events to foster understanding and inclusivity. A holiday is used as a platform to highlight the experiences of migrants, celebrate their contributions, and promote their rights. International Migrants Day is observed annually across the globe, including the United Kingdom, on December 18th.

Top 2 Facts for 2026 International Migrants Day in the UK

• After World War II, labor shortages in the UK led to a rise in immigration from the Commonwealth countries. Many people from Ireland, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh migrated to the UK during this period.
• Introduced in 2008, the UK's Points-Based System is an immigration system designed to attract skilled labor and investment to the country. It includes Tier 1 (high-value migrants), Tier 2 (skilled workers), and Tier 3 (low-skilled workers), among other categories.

In the News and Trending in the UK for International Migrants Day

Top things to do in the UK for International Migrants Day

• Since International Migrants Day is also a celebration of multiculturalism, try some food or drink from a different country. Have you tried a Cumberland sausage (UK), baklava (central Asian) or sake (Japan)? Enjoy a night out to a restaurant to enjoy different types of foods.
• The stories and events of migration are literally world-changing. There are countless films that each tell a different story of migration through time. Some of our recommendations: The Immigrant (1917), Children of Men (2006) or The Kite Runner (2007).
• Use International Migrants Day as an opportunity to educate yourself on the history and experiences of migration in the UK.
• The UK is home to many migrants from various countries, and trying out different cuisines at restaurants or food markets is a great way to experience diverse cultures and appreciate the influence of migration.