The Office for National Statistics (ONS) published its provisional long-term international migration estimates on 22 May 2026, revealing a substantial decline in net migration to the UK. Net migration for the year ending December 2025 stood at 171,000. That is a 48 per cent year-on-year drop from the 331,000 recorded in the year ending December 2024.
This 171,000 figure marks the lowest annual net migration for the UK since 2012, excluding the Covid-19 pandemic period. Total long-term immigration to the UK in the year ending December 2025 was 813,000, while total long-term emigration was 642,000.
How has net migration changed since its peak?
UK net migration reached a peak of 944,000 in the year ending March 2023. The latest ONS figures indicate a cumulative fall of approximately 773,000 from that peak to the year ending December 2025. This downward trajectory reflects a significant shift in migration patterns over a relatively short period.
Who is migrating to and from the UK?
The ONS data provides a detailed breakdown of migration by nationality grouping, showing distinct trends:
- Non-EU+ Net Migration: This stood at 350,000 in the year ending December 2025. This figure is down from 511,000 in the year ending December 2024, indicating a reduction in net inflow from outside the European Union.
- EU+ Net Migration: For the year ending December 2025, EU+ net migration was negative 42,000. This continues a trend observed since 2022, where more EU nationals left the UK than arrived.
- British Nationals Net Migration: This category recorded a negative net migration of 136,000 in the year ending December 2025. During this period, 246,000 British nationals left the UK, while 110,000 returned.
Why did non-EU+ immigration fall in 2025?
Non-EU+ immigration by reason shows shifts in entry routes. Study-related immigration from non-EU+ countries was 294,000 in the year ending December 2025. Work-related immigration from non-EU+ countries saw a notable decline, reaching 146,000. This is a 47 per cent reduction from the 272,000 work-related arrivals in the year ending December 2024. Asylum-related immigration from non-EU+ countries was 88,000.
What policies are driving the fall in net migration?
Several policy changes have contributed to the observed reduction in net migration, as noted in ONS commentary. A key factor is the end of overseas recruitment for adult social care workers. This route was the single largest work-route inflow in both 2022 and 2023. The previous Conservative government ended new applications in March 2024, a policy maintained by the Labour government from July 2024.
Another significant driver is the increased salary threshold for the UK Skilled Worker visa. This threshold was raised from 26,200 pounds to 38,700 pounds, effective from 4 April 2024. Dependents are no longer permitted to accompany overseas care workers or most postgraduate taught students on UK visa entry.
What do these figures mean for the UK?
The substantial fall in work-related immigration, particularly the 47 per cent drop in non-EU+ work visas, could impact sectors reliant on international talent. The cessation of overseas recruitment for adult social care workers, previously a major inflow, creates specific challenges for this sector. Sarah Crofts, Deputy Director of Migration Statistics at the ONS, provided official commentary on the 22 May 2026 release. These figures will continue to shape discussions around labour market needs and demographic trends across the UK.