New official statistics have revealed a dramatic shift in the UK's migration landscape, with net migration experiencing a sharp decline over the past year. However, this positive news for the government is tempered by a concurrent rise in the number of asylum seekers and those housed in temporary hotel accommodation.
A Dramatic Shift in Net Migration
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), long-term net migration to the UK fell to an estimated 204,000 in the year to June. This figure represents a substantial decrease, plummeting by almost two-thirds from the 649,000 recorded in the previous twelve-month period. The data, which covers the early months of the new Labour government, will be seen as a significant boost for Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The ONS breakdown shows that approximately 898,000 people moved to the UK during this time, a drop of 401,000. At the same time, 693,000 people emigrated from the country. An analysis of migrant nationalities indicates that around 75% (670,000 people) were from non-EU countries. The top nationalities arriving were Indian, Chinese, Pakistani, Nigerian, and Nepalese, with the majority coming on study visas.
Asylum Claims and Hotel Accommodation on the Rise
In a contrasting trend, Home Office data published for the year ending September 2025 shows that 111,000 people claimed asylum. This number is 13% higher than the previous year and exceeds the previous peak of 103,000 recorded in 2002. Officials noted that half of these claimants arrived via illegal routes, such as small boats, while 38% had initially entered the UK on a visa.
The number of asylum seekers being housed in hotels has also increased. Figures show 36,273 people were in such accommodation in September, a 13% rise in just three months. While this is below the peak of 56,018 seen under the previous government in September 2023, it marks a reversal from the record low of 29,561 in June 2024, just before the general election.
A Home Office spokesman expressed strong dissatisfaction with the situation, stating, "We are furious at the levels of illegal migrants and asylum hotels." He confirmed the government's intention to "close every single one" of the hotels, with work underway to move individuals to military bases.
Government Action and International Returns
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood welcomed the drop in net migration but emphasised the government's plan to go further. "Net migration is at its lowest level in half a decade and has fallen by more than two-thirds under this government," she said. Last week, she unveiled reforms to the migration system, including introducing 30-month reviews for those with refugee status to ensure they contribute to society.
On enforcement, the data reveals an increase in removals. There were 9,400 enforced returns in the year to September, a 22% annual increase. This included 5,300 returns of foreign national offenders. Furthermore, a new returns agreement with France has led to 153 small boat arrivals being detained and deported under a 'one-in-one-out' programme.
Border Security Minister Alex Norris reinforced the government's stance, saying, "We are reforming our immigration system, making it easier to remove and deport illegal migrants with no right to be here." Meanwhile, the rate of asylum claim approvals has slightly decreased, with 45% of initial decisions resulting in a grant of status, down from 52% the year before.
