More than 30,000 non-EU immigrants a year are taking advantage of a backdoor into Britain created by Brussels, it has emerged.

The number of people benefiting from the so-called European Economic Area family permit route has rocketed by 50 per cent under David Cameron.

Last night Vote Leave said the figures showed that edicts handed down by Brussels were now allowing both EU and non-EU migrants into the UK.

The number of people benefiting from the so-called European Economic Area family permit route has rocketed by 50 per cent under David Cameron, pictured during a TV debate last night

Under British immigration rules, migrants from outside the EU need to obtain a visa for either work or family settlement.

But under the family permit route, an exception is made for those with a spouse or close relative who is an EU citizen.

These people are known as third country nationals, and since Mr Cameron was elected the UK has issued them with 140,921 permits. For 2014/15, the figure was 30,879 – up by 48 per cent since 2010-2011.

It means that in effect, EU rules are also allowing non-EU migrants into the UK. Ex-Cabinet minister Iain Duncan Smith said: 'These figures expose how the Remain camp have set out to deceive UK citizens.

'It is clear as day that as our immigration plan runs out of control, the only way to get back control of our borders, and introduce a fair immigration system is to vote Leave.'

Porous borders: Last night Vote Leave said the figures showed that edicts handed down by Brussels were now allowing both EU and non-EU migrants into the UK (file image)

In a recent report, the Chief Inspector of Borders warned that migrants were bringing their families to Britain by the backdoor and the system was suffering 'significant abuse' from migrants who falsely claim they are related to a non-EU citizen in the UK.

He said: 'Our findings suggest the European citizenship route is becoming an increasingly important way into the UK for those whose origins lie outside the EEA'.

No 10 said Mr Cameron secured a commitment that, in future, non-EU nationals who marry EU nationals living in the UK will have to undergo full immigration checks.