Widely held "assumptions" about migrants are challenged in a new report. It shows that more than 19,000 migrants from eastern Europe have come to Kent since eight new countries joined the European Union in 2004.

But it is likely that up to half have already left and, contrary to a widely-held perception, very few claim state benefits - and most work a 46-hour week.

Kent MP and shadow immigration minister Damian Green said: "People who ask whether immigration is a good or a bad thing are asking a crude question. There are good and bad things about large-scale immigration.

"The reason why there are some problems is that failing to control the numbers maximises the strains and stresses on local authorities who have to provide extra services."

The report by the Institute of Public Policy Research, examines the impact of influxes of migrants. It reveals:

~ 19,530 migrants registered for work across all parts of Kent.

~ as many as 50 per cent had already left.

~ Polish nationals account for the highest number.

~ at 84 per cent, employment rates among migrants from the new EU countries were among the highest of all immigrant groups.

~ very few claim state benefits and on average work about 46 hours a week.

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Dr Danny Sriskandarajah, one of the report’s authors, said: "Migration from the new EU countries has happened on a staggering scale but seems to have been largely positive for all concerned. Our findings challenge the widely held assumptions that most of those who have arrived are still here, that more will come and most will stay permanently."

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Highest and lowest ratiosAcross Kent, on average there are about nine migrants from the new countries like Poland and Estonia per 1,000 residents, a figure which is far lower than many other parts of Britain.

The highest ratio was in Gravesham, which has seen 2,145 migrant worker registrations in three years, making 15 migrants per 1,000 residents.

At the other end of the scale, Thanet has seen the lowest number of migrants coming from the new EU countries. There, just 860 registered for work, about four per 1,000 residents.

The report says that the number of people arriving is falling and the number leaving rising, a consequence of the improving economic fortunes of their home countries.

The full report can be seen at www.ippr.org.uk