UK Sees Record Fall in Net Migration by 50% compared to previous year,
as New Visa Rules Take Effect
Los Angeles/May 22, 2025
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh
Net migration to the UK has nearly halved in 2024, marking the sharpest annual drop since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
In the year ending December 2024, the UK recorded an estimated net migration figure of 431,000 — a 49.9% decrease from the 860,000 seen in the previous year. This is the largest single-year numerical reduction ever recorded, driven primarily by a fall in the number of people arriving for work and study.
Decline in Immigration and Rise in Emigration
Long-term immigration dropped below one million for the first time in nearly three years, falling to 948,000 from 1,326,000. This marks the lowest level since the 12 months ending March 2022.
At the same time, emigration rose by about 11%, reaching 517,000 people — up from 466,000 a year earlier. The number of people leaving the UK has returned to levels last seen around mid-2017.
Policy Changes Behind the Numbers
The dramatic shift comes in the wake of visa restrictions introduced in early 2024 by the previous Conservative government. These measures limited eligibility for work and study visas, especially targeting dependants of international students and workers.
James Cleverly, the former Home Secretary, claimed responsibility for the reduction, arguing that it was a direct result of policies he implemented while in office. He also criticized Labour for previously opposing the measures and now seeking to claim credit for the outcome.
Labour Welcomes Fall, Pushes for Further Reform
Current Home Secretary Yvette Cooper welcomed the drop, noting that net migration had previously quadrupled during the last parliamentary term. She emphasized that Labour’s new Immigration White Paper proposes even deeper reforms, aimed at further reducing the number of people moving to the UK.
ONS official Mary Gregory explained that the fall in net migration was mostly due to fewer arrivals for work and study — particularly a sharp decline in study dependants. She also noted a rise in people leaving the UK, especially those who had arrived during the pandemic on student visas.
Significant Drop in Work and Study Arrivals
Among the most notable changes was a 49% drop in non-EU nationals coming to the UK for work, down by 108,000. Arrivals for study purposes fell by 17%, but the largest declines were seen among dependants: those accompanying students fell by 86% (105,000 fewer), and work dependants dropped by 35% (a reduction of 81,000).
Last year, people leaving the UK were evenly split between non-EU nationals (222,000), EU nationals (218,000), and British citizens (77,000).
Prime Minister Stands Firm on New Direction
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently argued that high migration had caused “incalculable” social impact, warning of a growing sense of disconnect in communities. His government has pledged significant reforms, including tightening visa requirements and raising English language standards for migrants.
Though some critics compared his comments to divisive rhetoric from past decades, Labour ministers defended the Prime Minister, asserting that the tone and substance of his message were focused on responsible integration.
Mixed Reactions to the Economic Impact
The Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford noted that the record decline was possible mainly because migration figures had reached unprecedented highs in recent years. The group’s director, Dr. Madeleine Sumption, downplayed the economic impact of the fall, explaining that many of those leaving or not arriving were not among the highest contributors to the economy.
Researcher Dr. Ben Brindle added that migration is likely to continue falling as more recent policy changes take hold. However, he cautioned that the figures may still remain high by historical standards.
Meanwhile, the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) issued a warning that the steep drop in international student numbers could endanger the financial health of universities and impact the UK’s broader economic outlook.
Government Confident in Workforce Strategy
Despite concerns over a shrinking labor force, Downing Street said it is not alarmed by the decline in net migration. A government spokesperson confirmed that efforts are underway to align domestic skills training with immigration reform.
The goal is to reduce the UK’s reliance on overseas labour while ensuring that the country’s border system remains secure.
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