Net migration in the UK fell by almost half to 171,000 in the 12 months to December 2025, the lowest level since early 2021. The decline follows a broader downward trend after a post-pandemic peak of 944,000 in the year to March 2023. Net migration measures the difference between long-term arrivals and departures. The reduction is driven mainly by fewer non-EU arrivals for work, study, or family reasons, alongside increased emigration, especially among former international students. Components include 350,000 more non-EU nationals arriving than leaving, 136,000 more British citizens leaving than returning, and 42,000 more EU citizens leaving than arriving. Policy changes tightened work and study routes, including limits on student dependants, care worker family visa restrictions, and higher salary thresholds, with further reforms in 2025. Visa applications fell sharply after the changes, and asylum seekers housed in hotels declined to 20,885 by end-March 2026.
"Net migration stood at 171,000 in the 12 months to December 2025, down 48 per cent on the previous year and the lowest level since early 2021. The figure continues a broader downward trend from the post-pandemic peak, when net migration reached 944,000 in the year to March 2023 before beginning a sustained fall. Net migration measures the difference between those arriving in the UK to live long-term and those leaving the country."
"The latest data show the decline has been driven primarily by fewer arrivals from outside the EU to work, study or join family members, alongside an increase in emigration, particularly among former international students. The figures break down into three main components: 350,000 more non-EU nationals arriving than leaving; 136,000 more British citizens leaving the UK than returning; and 42,000 more EU citizens leaving than arriving over the same period."
"The ONS said the reduction reflects both policy changes introduced under the previous Conservative government and further tightening under Labour. Measures include restrictions on international students bringing dependants, limits on care worker family visas, and higher salary thresholds for skilled worker and family routes. In 2025, the Labour Government introduced additional reforms, including ending overseas recruitment for care workers and further raising income requirements for skilled visas."
"The Home Office has reported a sharp fall in visa applications since these changes came into effect, with declines continuing into 2026. Alongside the migration figures, the data also show a fall in the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels, down to 20,885 at the end of March 2026 - a 35 per cent reduction year-on-year."
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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