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Net migration to the UK dropped sharply in 2024, falling from 860,000 to an estimated 431,000 in just one year, according to data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This marks the steepest year-on-year decline since the pandemic and the largest numerical fall ever recorded over a 12-month period.
According to GB News, the drop is largely due to a significant decrease in the number of people arriving for work and education, particularly the dependants of international students. The government had introduced new visa restrictions earlier in the year, which contributed to this change.
By the end of 2024, the total number of long-term immigrants had declined to 948,000—down nearly a third from the previous year. Meanwhile, emigration rose by 11% to an estimated 517,000, reflecting a return to 2017 levels and the exit of many who arrived on study visas during the post-COVID period.
Mary Gregory, ONS Director of Population Statistics, highlighted that the fall in net migration was mainly driven by fewer arrivals on work and study visas. “Our early estimates suggest net migration has nearly halved, largely due to fewer student dependants and workers entering the country,” she said.
The new figures follow Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent comments that high levels of migration had caused “incalculable” harm to British society. In response, he announced a new wave of immigration reforms, including tougher English language requirements, tighter skilled worker criteria, and the removal of certain visa pathways, such as those for social care roles.
This significant drop in net migration is expected to strengthen Labour’s position on immigration, especially as the party faces pressure from Reform UK, which has called for a complete halt to immigration.
Labour has also deported nearly 30,000 failed asylum seekers and foreign criminals since taking office—an effort that contrasts with the previous Conservative government, which saw net migration peak at 906,000.
Although Starmer has refrained from setting a specific migration target, he has expressed confidence that the numbers will continue to decline significantly before the next general election.
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