Recent data indicates a sharp decline in net migration over the past year.
The Office for National Statistics experts report that net migration dropped to 204,000 in the year up to June, a significant decrease from the previous figure of 649,000. Concurrently, Home Office data highlights a surge in asylum claims and a rise in the number of individuals residing in hotels.
The UK has experienced a rise in the number of individuals being deported, including over 150 small boat arrivals being apprehended and returned to France. Below are some of the key statistics unveiled today.
According to the latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), long-term net migration plummeted to 204,000 in the year ending June, down from 649,000 the preceding year. This development is likely to be perceived as a positive outcome for Keir Starmer.
Statistical estimations reveal that 898,000 individuals arrived in the UK during that period, marking a decline of 401,000 compared to the previous 12 months. Additionally, 693,000 people left the country over the same timeframe.
Among the long-term migrants coming to the UK, approximately 75%, or an estimated 670,000 individuals, were non-EU nationals. British nationals accounted for around 143,000 migrants, while 85,000 were from EU countries.
The number of migrants from the EU+ region, comprising the 27 European Union members along with Norway and Switzerland, has decreased following the cessation of free movement in 2020. The top five non-EU+ nationalities entering the UK were Indian, Chinese, Pakistani, Nigerian, and Nepalese, with a majority of individuals from these countries arriving on study visas.
Romanian nationals constituted the highest number among EU+ migrants, followed by Italian, Irish, French, and Polish nationals.
The Labour party has committed to reducing net migration. Recently, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood introduced reforms to settlement regulations, requiring individuals with refugee status to undergo reviews every 30 months.
Mahmood stated, “Net migration has reached its lowest level in five years, decreasing by more than two-thirds under the current government. Nevertheless, further action is necessary as the influx of migrants has strained local communities.”
Newly released Home Office data indicates that 111,000 individuals sought asylum in the year ending September 2025, representing a 13% increase from the previous year and surpassing the previous peak of 103,000 in 2002.
Of the asylum claimants, half entered the UK through illegal means, such as small boats, while 38% had previously arrived in the UK on visas or other permits. During the year ending June 2025, the UK ranked fifth in the EU+ in terms of asylum seekers, following Germany, Spain, Italy, and France.
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