UK net migration has fallen below 200,000 for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The estimated net migration for the 12 months to December 2025 stood at 171,000, a 48% decrease compared to the previous year's figure of 331,000.
Drivers of the Decline
The ONS stated that the continued fall is primarily driven by fewer people from outside the European Union arriving in the UK for work. This marks a significant shift from the post-pandemic surge, when net migration peaked at record levels.
Historical Context
This is the first time net migration has dropped below 200,000 since the year ending March 2021, when it was 132,000. At that time, travel restrictions were still in place, and the post-Brexit immigration system had just been introduced. The latest figures indicate a return to more controlled migration levels.
The data reflects the impact of government policies aimed at reducing overall migration, including stricter visa requirements and a focus on skilled workers. The reduction in non-EU work arrivals has been a key factor in the overall decline.
