Net migration to UK slashed by nearly half driven by fewer people coming for work - AOL

Net migration to the UK dropped by nearly half to the lowest level since the Covid pandemic. In the 12 months to December 2025, the estimated number of people entering minus those leaving was 171,000, down 48% from 331,000 in 2024. The figure peaked at 944,000 in 2023 and has fallen sharply since, largely due to fewer people coming for work or study, including a 47% drop in workers arriving in 2025. Excluding the Covid period, the last similarly low level was in 2012. The sustained decline follows policy measures restricting care workers and overseas students from bringing family members, raising salary requirements for some visas, and adding limits to the skilled worker visa.

"The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows that in the 12 months to December 2025, the number of people entering the country minus the number of people who left was estimated at 171,000. This was down 48 per cent year on year, from 331,000 in 2024."

"It peaked at 944,000 in 2023, but has fallen sharply since then, largely because fewer people are coming to the UK for work or study, with a 47 per cent drop in workers coming to Britain in 2025. Excluding the era of the Covid pandemic, when international travel fell sharply around the world, the last time net migration to the UK was this low was in 2012."

"The sustained fall in numbers in recent years follows measures introduced by the Conservatives, and continued under Labour, to stop care workers and overseas students from bringing family members to the UK, along with the decision to raise the salary requirements for some visas. Restrictions have also been added to the skilled worker visa, making it harder to gain the right to work in the UK in certain lower-skilled professions."

"Home secretary Shabana Mahmood welcomed the figures, saying: "Net migration has fallen by 82 per cent in just three years. We will always welcome those who contribute to this country and wish to build a better life here. But we must restore order and control to our borders." She added that the figures show that "real progress has been made, but there is still work to do"."

Read at AOL.com