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UK net migration figures fall in wake of tougher immigration policies

Release Date
2025-11-27
Media
Pinsent Masons
Summary
New data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics shows that long-term net migration fell sharply to 204,000 in the year to June 2025 — a drop of about two-thirds from a year earlier and nearly 80 percent below the 2023 peak. Experts warn that this steep decline raises concerns about whether a significantly smaller inflow of workers can meet the needs of the UK labour market and broader economy.

The reduction is largely the result of stringent immigration measures introduced over the past two years, particularly those affecting foreign students and skilled workers. Restrictions on postgraduate students bringing dependants, a total ban on dependants for most students from January 2024, and a March 2024 ban for care workers have all contributed to the decline. Salary and skill requirements for skilled worker visas were raised in July 2025, while visa fees and associated costs increased, including a major rise in the health surcharge in February 2024.

Further changes are expected to tighten migration numbers even more. Skilled workers will face higher English-language requirements from January 2026, the immigration skills charge will rise in December 2025, and the graduate visa will be shortened from 24 to 18 months in January 2027. Experts question whether the UK’s strategy of prioritising a smaller, highly skilled workforce can adequately meet economic demand.

Additionally, the government plans to double the qualifying residence period for permanent settlement to ten years, with potential reductions for those who make a strong contribution to British society. This reform could affect nearly two million migrants who have arrived since 2021. The government is currently consulting on how to implement the new settlement rules and whether transitional arrangements should be provided for those already living in the UK, with feedback open until February 26, 2026.
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United Kingdom

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