Recent data indicates a significant drop in net migration over the past 12 months.
The Office for National Statistics reports that net migration decreased to 204,000 in the year ending in June, a sharp decline from the previous figure of 649,000. Concurrently, Home Office data reveals a surge in asylum claims and an increase in the number of individuals staying in hotels.
Notably, the UK witnessed a rise in the expulsion of individuals, including the detention and repatriation of over 150 small boat arrivals back to France. Here are some highlights from the latest data release.
New figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that long-term net migration plunged to 204,000 in the year leading to June, a substantial decrease from the previous year’s 649,000. This development is likely to be viewed positively by Keir Starmer.
Statistical estimates reveal that 898,000 individuals arrived in the UK during that period, marking a decline of 401,000 compared to the preceding 12 months. Simultaneously, 693,000 people exited the country during the same timeframe.
Of the long-term migrants who arrived in the UK, approximately 75%, or an estimated 670,000 individuals, hailed from non-EU nations. Among them, around 143,000 were British citizens, while 85,000 came from EU countries.
Following the end of free movement in 2020, the number of individuals from the EU+ area – consisting of the 27 European Union members plus Norway and Switzerland – has declined. The top five non-EU+ nationalities entering the UK included individuals from India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Nepal, predominantly arriving on study visas.
Romanian nationals topped the list of EU+ arrivals, followed by individuals from Italy, Ireland, France, and Poland.
The Labour party has committed to reducing net migration. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood recently announced revisions to settlement regulations, stipulating that individuals with refugee status will undergo reviews every 30 months.
Mahmood stated, “Net migration has reached its lowest point in five years, plummeting by over two-thirds under the current government. However, further measures are necessary due to the strain that migration levels exert on local communities.
“Last week’s announcement outlined reforms to our migration system to ensure that newcomers contribute positively and give back more than they take.”
Recent Home Office data indicates that 111,000 individuals applied for asylum in the year ending September 2025. This represents a 13% increase from the previous year and surpasses the prior peak of 103,000 recorded in 2002.
Approximately half of these applicants entered through irregular means, such as small