THE Government's attempts to slash net migration to the tens of thousands will come under the spotlight today as official figures are released amid increased debate over the inclusion of international students in the target.

Migration statistics for the 12 months to March will be published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) just days after the publication of a report suggesting overseas students should be removed from immigration targets.

An ICM opinion poll suggested that the British public does not see international students as immigrants and are opposed to attempts to reduce their number in a bid to lower net immigration.

Prime Minister David Cameron and Home Secretary Theresa May previously announced a goal to cut net migration - the difference between migrants leaving and arriving in the UK - to below 100,000 by the general election on May 7 next year.

The last set of official figures, published in May, revealed the net flow of migrants into the UK surged to 212,000 in the year to December, from 177,000 the previous year.

Following publication of the ICM poll, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg called for overseas students to be excluded from the figures, while former deputy prime minister Lord Heseltine called for a fresh approach.

Prime Minister David Cameron said last month he wants an immigration system which ''puts Britain first'', as he unveiled tough new measures which will halve the time migrants from the European Union without serious job prospects can claim benefits in the UK.

The plans add to reforms announced in January which mean that European migrants must wait three months after arriving in Britain before claiming out-of-work benefits.

From November, once that waiting period is over, benefits will be cut off after three months - rather than the current six - unless the migrants have ''very clear job prospects''.

© by Press Association 2014