Net migration to the United Kingdom has plummeted to 204,000 in the year to June 2025, according to new figures released Thursday by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The dramatic 69 percent year-on-year decrease marks the lowest annual figure since 2021.
The decline reflects 898,000 people arriving in the UK against 693,000 departing. This represents a sharp reversal from the year to June 2024, when net migration stood at 649,000.
The drop is primarily driven by fewer people from outside the EU arriving for work or study. At the same time, more EU and British nationals have been leaving the country than arriving.
Falling from Record Highs
Net migration has been trending downward for two years. The current level represents a significant fall from the peak of 944,000 recorded in the year to March 2023.
Mary Gregory, executive director for population and census at the ONS, said: «Net migration is at the lowest level seen since 2021, when pandemic lockdown restrictions were lifted and the new immigration system was introduced following the UK's EU exit.»
She added: «Non-EU-plus emigration is driven by Indian and Chinese nationals, who originally arrived on study visas, while nine out of 10 British people emigrating are of working age.»
Political Responses
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood welcomed the figures, stating: «Net migration is at its lowest level in half a decade and has fallen by more than two-thirds under this Government.»
However, she emphasized: «But we are going further because the pace and scale of migration has placed immense pressure on local communities.» Mahmood announced: «Last week, I announced reforms to our migration system to ensure that those who come here must contribute and put in more than they take out.»
The Labour government has proposed doubling the wait time for indefinite leave to remain from five to 10 years.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp acknowledged the fall resulted from Conservative reforms introduced in early 2024, «but we need to go much further.» He stated: «Under a future a Conservative government, only those who make a real contribution can stay permanently, and only British citizens will be eligible for benefits funded by British taxpayers.»
Asylum Seeker Accommodation
Separate Home Office figures show 36,273 asylum seekers were housed in hotels at the end of September, representing a 13 percent increase from June.
Ministers have pledged to end hotel use for asylum seekers by the next election. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he wants to close asylum hotels «as quickly as possible.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
