Net migration
Difference between people arriving in and leaving the UK for 12 months or more.
171,000
-48.3% vs 2024
As of 2025
Historical trend
Breakdown
Long-term immigration
799,000 Long-term emigration
373,000 Trend summary
Net migration to the UK was 728,000 in the year to June 2024 (ONS provisional estimate), down from a revised peak of 906,000 in the year to June 2023.
Trend
- Net migration rose from around 200,000–300,000 in the 2010s to a peak of 906,000 in 2022–23, driven by post-pandemic labour demand, Ukraine humanitarian visas, and expanded study and work routes.
- The year to June 2024 figure of 728,000 represents a 20% decline from the peak, reflecting tighter visa conditions introduced in 2024.
- Emigration was approximately 532,000 in the year to June 2024; immigration was approximately 1,260,000.
Context
- ONS net migration estimates are based on the International Passenger Survey and administrative data; they are revised as more data becomes available.
- Long-term international migration is defined as a change of usual country of residence for at least 12 months.
Commentary contains no editorial judgement — describes direction, magnitude, and official projections only.