.svg){kind=logo}
The United Kingdom has recorded a significant drop in net migration, bringing overall figures close to pre-COVID levels, according to the latest official data. However, the decline in net migration contrasts with rising asylum applications, increased small boat crossings, and higher deportation numbers, highlighting a tightening immigration environment rather than reduced migration pressure.
Net Migration Drops to 204,000
Net migration — the number of people arriving in the UK minus those leaving — fell to 204,000 between July 2024 and June 2025, marking a 69% decrease over 12 months.
This figure, published by the Office for National Statistics, reflects a sharp slowdown compared to recent peak years and is largely driven by changes in legal migration patterns.
Immigration Falls While Emigration Rises
During the same period:
- Immigration declined to 898,000, down 31% year-on-year
- Emigration increased to 693,000, up 7%
The data suggests that more people are leaving the UK while fewer are arriving, contributing directly to the lower net migration figure.
Asylum Applications Continue to Increase
Despite falling net migration, the number of people applying for asylum in the UK has continued to rise.
Between October 2024 and September 2025, the UK received 110,051 asylum applications, representing a 13% increase compared to the previous year. These figures are reported by the Home Office.
The increase has added pressure to the UK’s asylum processing system and accommodation capacity.
Small Boat Arrivals Reach Over 41,000 in 2025
Irregular migration across the English Channel remains a major policy concern.
- 41,472 people arrived by small boat in 2025
- This is a 13% increase compared with 2024
While small boat arrivals represent a minority of total migration, they remain a focal point of enforcement and political debate.
Returns and Deportations Increase
The UK also recorded a rise in returns and deportations:
- 36,457 people were returned or deported between October 2024 and September 2025
- This marks an 11% increase over the previous year
Returns include enforced removals, assisted voluntary returns, and verified independent departures.
What the Data Means for Legal Migrants
Most people who come to the UK legally do so via work, study, or family visas. However:
- Visa figures show permissions granted, not actual arrivals
- One individual may be counted more than once if multiple visas are issued
- Visitor and transit visas are not included
Recent policy tightening has affected several legal routes, contributing to lower overall immigration numbers.
UK Migration Compared with Europe
When compared with other European countries of similar population size, the UK:
- Continues to receive high asylum application numbers
- Has seen a faster drop in net migration than many EU states
- Faces higher maritime irregular arrivals than most European countries
European comparisons are based on aggregated data from national statistics offices and EU datasets.
Important Data Limitations
Key points to understand when reading migration statistics:
- Net migration figures are rounded estimates
- Data may be revised retrospectively
- Asylum and returns data is updated quarterly
- Small boat figures are updated daily
Short-term trends should therefore be interpreted with caution.
WorkPermitCheck Insight
For migrants, workers, and employers, the data signals:
- Stricter immigration control
- Higher enforcement and return activity
- Greater compliance risk for overstayers and illegal workers
- More scrutiny of visa conditions and status
Lower net migration does not mean relaxed rules — it reflects tighter entry, stay, and enforcement policies.
January 5, 2026
