Net migration to the United Kingdom experienced a significant decline in 2024, dropping by nearly half to 431,000 from the previous year’s 860,000, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This marks the most substantial annual decrease since the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ONS attributes this sharp reduction to a combination of stricter immigration policies and an uptick in emigration.Notably, there was a decrease in immigration from non-EU countries for work and study visas. Additionally, a significant number of international students who had arrived before the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions have since departed the UK.
The decline follows a series of policy changes initiated by the previous Conservative government and maintained by the current Labour administration. These measures include tightening visa requirements for international students and workers, as well as increasing the minimum salary threshold for skilled worker visas. The government has also restricted the ability of care workers to bring dependents and raised the minimum income requirement for family visas.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emphasized the need for controlled immigration to ensure societal cohesion and alleviate pressure on public services. In a recent statement, he warned that without stricter controls, the UK risks becoming an “island of strangers.” The government’s white paper on immigration outlines plans to further reduce net migration to 300,000 by 2029.
While the reduction in net migration has been welcomed by some, it has also raised concerns among universities and employers. The 37% drop in international student arrivals poses financial challenges for higher education institutions, which rely heavily on tuition fees from overseas students. Employers in sectors such as healthcare and social care, which have traditionally depended on foreign workers, are also facing recruitment difficulties.
The ONS notes that while the recent decline is significant, net migration remains higher than pre-pandemic levels. In June 2023, net migration reached a record high of 906,000, and it stood at 728,000 in the year to June 2024. The government has pledged to continue monitoring migration trends and adjust policies as necessary to achieve its long-term targets.
