Net migration to the UK falls by nearly 50 percent amid tighter policies
Net migration to the UK has decreased significantly, falling to 171,000 in 2025 from 331,000 the previous year. This decline is attributed to stricter immigration policies implemented by the government. The current Labour government continues to tighten these policies in response to political pressures and concerns about labor shortages in certain sectors.
- ▪Net migration to the UK fell to 171,000 in 2025, a nearly 50 percent decrease from the previous year.
- ▪The decline reflects policy changes, including restrictions on international students bringing dependents and higher salary thresholds for skilled worker visas.
- ▪The Labour government has announced further reforms, including plans to speed up deportations and make refugee status temporary.
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News|MigrationNet migration to the UK falls by nearly 50 percent amid tighter policiesThe ONS says net migration fell to 171,000 in the 12 months to the end of December from 331,000 a year earlier.ListenListen (3 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoTravellers wait in a queue at Heathrow airport in London, England [File: Carl Court/Getty Images]By Al Jazeera Staff and ReutersPublished On 21 May 202621 May 2026Long-term net migration to the United Kingdom nearly halved in 2025, falling to levels last seen before the post-Brexit immigration system was introduced, as tougher government measures enacted in recent years restricted arrivals.The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said on Thursday that…
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