Net migration to the United Kingdom has fallen to its lowest annual level since 2021, according to new estimates.
Net migration, the difference between people moving long-term to the UK and those leaving, has been declining over the past two years.
The latest data, published on Thursday by the Office for National Statistics, shows the figure dropped to 204,000 in the year ending June 2025, a 69% decrease from 649,000 the previous year.
During the same period, an estimated 898,000 people immigrated to the UK, while 693,000 emigrated.
Net migration had peaked at a record 944,000 in the year to March 2023 but has since fallen sharply.
The ONS attributes the decline to fewer non-EU arrivals coming to the UK for work or study, combined with more people leaving the country.
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.
“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.”
The lower numbers follow restrictions introduced in early 2024 by the previous Conservative government on eligibility for UK work or study visas.
The Labour Government has also announced plans to reduce migration, including proposals for “earned” settlement and doubling the wait time for migrants to apply for indefinite leave to remain from five to 10 years.
Migrants would also need to meet conditions such as having a clean criminal record and speaking English to A-level standard, with potential fast-tracking or delays depending on their “contributions” to the UK.
Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood said, “Net migration is at its lowest level in half a decade and has fallen by more than two-thirds under this Government.
“But we are going further because the pace and scale of migration has placed immense pressure on local communities. 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.”
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp reacted to the figures, saying the fall was driven by Conservative reforms “but we need to go much further.
“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.”
The ONS data also shows more British nationals left the UK in the year to June 2025 (252,000) than moved to the country (143,000).
A similar trend was seen among EU-plus nationals, covering the 27 EU countries plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, with higher emigration (155,000) than immigration (85,000).
However, positive net migration among non-EU-plus nationals offset these declines, with 670,000 moving to the UK compared with 286,000 leaving.
There have been notable changes in migration patterns for non-EU-plus nationals, with arrivals down 37% year on year and departures up 20%.
Sunder Katwala, director of think tank British Future, described the estimate as “another significant drop” but noted that public perception often differs. New polling by Ipsos and British Future indicates 56% of people believe net migration increased last year, despite the decline.
“It is time that our immigration debate caught up with reality,” Mr Katwala said. “Some voices will never be satisfied until immigration is net zero – but they can’t claim to speak for most of the public. With numbers returning to pre-Brexit levels, we need an immigration politics for 2025 and beyond.”
