Net migration to UK falls by nearly 50% after Labour’s vow to cut numbers
Net migration to the UK has decreased by nearly 50%, falling to 171,000 last year. This decline follows a peak of 944,000 in 2023 and is attributed mainly to a significant drop in work-related immigration from outside the EU. The figures are expected to bolster the government's stance on reducing migration numbers amid public misconceptions about rising immigration rates.
- ▪Net migration to the UK fell by 48% year on year from 331,000 in 2024.
- ▪The number of nationals from outside the EU arriving for work-related reasons decreased by 47% in 2025.
- ▪An estimated 813,000 people immigrated to the UK while 642,000 emigrated.
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The figure was down 48% year on year from 331,000 in 2024, extending a sharp decline from a record peak of 944,000 in 2023. Photograph: Amer Ghazzal/Alamy Stock Photo/Alamy Live News.View image in fullscreenThe figure was down 48% year on year from 331,000 in 2024, extending a sharp decline from a record peak of 944,000 in 2023. Photograph: Amer Ghazzal/Alamy Stock Photo/Alamy Live News.Immigration and asylumNet migration to UK falls by nearly 50% after Labour’s vow to cut numbersDecline to 171,000 last year will encourage ministers in what is seen as a battleground issue against Reform UK politics live – latest updates Rajeev Syal Home affairs editorThu 21 May 2026 05.34 EDTLast modified on Thu 21 May 2026 05.36 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleNet migration to the UK fell by nearly…
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