Research exploring the integration of migrant populations in Wales is now helping the Welsh
Government track progress towards becoming a Nation of Sanctuary.
What the research measured
Using linked GP data in the SAIL Databank, the analysis calculated:
01
The percentage of GP registrations in Wales associated with migrants
02
The percentage of GP appointments attended by migrants
03
How these figures vary with the length of time migrants have lived in Wales
The pathway to policy impact
WHY IT MATTERS
Administrative data research moving beyond academic impact to become embedded in national policy monitoring.
The work gives decision-makers robust evidence to track progress, understand the needs of migrant communities and support better outcomes for people seeking sanctuary in Wales.
A notable example of ADR Wales’ impact during the year is the work led by Jane Lyons within our Social Justice theme, exploring integration of migrant populations in Wales through linked GP data.
Through the ongoing strong collaboration and engagement between ADR academic researchers and Welsh Government colleagues, Jane was approached to support the Migrant Integration Framework for Wales. The Migrant Integration Framework for Wales was published in December 2023 and plays a key part in the Welsh Government’s commitment to becoming a Nation of Sanctuary. One of the frameworks indicators is the percentage of individuals registered with a GP by migrant status. Through the SAIL Databank, analysis allowed the calculation of the percentage of GP registrations in Wales at a given point in the year that are associated with migrants, the percentage of GP appointments that are attended by migrants, and, how these figures vary according to the length of time migrants are resident in Wales.
This research has made an important contribution to understanding the needs of migrant communities in Wales and has now achieved significant policy recognition through its inclusion as an indicator within the Welsh Government’s Anti-racist Wales Action Plan Interactive Dashboard 2026. The dashboard, published in May 2026, brings together key measures used to monitor progress against the Action Plan, with Jane’s research directly informing the Nation of Sanctuary chapter and supporting evidence-based approaches to improving outcomes for people seeking sanctuary in Wales. This achievement demonstrates how high-quality administrative data research can move beyond academic impact to become embedded within national policy monitoring frameworks, providing decision-makers with robust evidence to track progress and shape future action.