Net migration to the UK fell by nearly half in 2025, reaching its lowest level since 2012 (excluding pandemic years), according to new data from the Home Office and Office for National Statistics (ONS). The figure of 171,000 represents a significant decline from the 331,000 recorded in 2024.
Key Takeaways
UK net migration fell to 171,000 last year, nearly half of 2024's figure and the lowest since 2012. Asylum claims also dropped by 12%, but remain high compared to pre-pandemic levels.
- Net migration drops to 171,000 in 2025
- Lowest level since 2012 (excluding pandemic years)
- Asylum claims down 12% year-on-year
- Government attributes decline to policy changes
- Opposition calls for further reductions
The drop is attributed to fewer people arriving from outside the EU for work-related reasons. The ONS noted that this decrease was driven by policy changes implemented since early 2024 under the former Conservative government and expanded upon by the current Labour administration. These measures include restrictions on overseas students bringing family members, care workers bringing dependents, and increased salary thresholds for skilled visas.
Asylum claims also declined by 12% in the year to March 2026, with 93,525 people claiming asylum. However, this figure remains more than double that seen just before the pandemic. The number of asylum seekers housed in hotels fell to 20,885 as of March 2026, down from a peak of 56,000 in September 2023.
The government has welcomed the progress but acknowledged that more work is needed. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that his government was 'delivering' on its promise to restore control to the borders. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the introduction of a skills-based migration system designed to reward contribution and end reliance on cheap overseas workers.
Opposition figures, however, argue that more needs to be done. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticized the government for high non-EU immigration and called for further reforms, including an annual immigration cap. Meanwhile, refugee charities have expressed concern over the decline in safe and legal routes for asylum seekers.
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