This archive report was first published on 25 October 2019.
On October 25, 2019, the news of 39 bodies of Chinese citizens found in a lorry container in Essex, London, sent shockwaves globally.
As investigations continue, many are left wondering: why would Chinese citizens risk their lives to travel to the UK in such a manner?
China, the world's second-largest economy, has undergone significant economic transformation, lifting many citizens out of poverty.
However, despite this progress, China ranks fourth among countries with the most citizens living abroad, with a staggering 10 million Chinese immigrants making up 4% of the global immigrant population, according to a report by the Migration Policy Institute (MPI).
Natalia Banulescu-Bodgan, an MPI expert, attributed the high number of Chinese migrants to inequality within the country.
“The opportunities within a country as large as China are not equally distributed,” she said.
Reports indicate that many Chinese citizens still live in poverty, despite the country's economic growth in recent years.
Education and job opportunities also play a significant role in Chinese migration, with a significant number studying abroad, particularly in Europe.
In 2019, the UK issued 100,000 study visas to Chinese citizens, accounting for 13% of all study visas granted.
