This data may be out of date — the source may have published a newer figure. Check ONS →
Home / immigration / Net migration

Net migration

Difference between people arriving in and leaving the UK for 12 months or more.

426 thousands
+0.9% vs previous period

As of 2024

Historical trend

250 338 426 201520202024

Breakdown

Long-term immigration
799 thousands
566 683 799
Long-term emigration
373 thousands
316 345 373

Trend summary

Net migration to the UK was 728,000 in the year to June 2024 (ONS provisional estimate), down from a revised peak of 906,000 in the year to June 2023.

Trend

  • Net migration rose from around 200,000–300,000 in the 2010s to a peak of 906,000 in 2022–23, driven by post-pandemic labour demand, Ukraine humanitarian visas, and expanded study and work routes.
  • The year to June 2024 figure of 728,000 represents a 20% decline from the peak, reflecting tighter visa conditions introduced in 2024.
  • Emigration was approximately 532,000 in the year to June 2024; immigration was approximately 1,260,000.

Context

  • ONS net migration estimates are based on the International Passenger Survey and administrative data; they are revised as more data becomes available.
  • Long-term international migration is defined as a change of usual country of residence for at least 12 months.

Trend summary generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 on 21 November 2024. Contains no editorial judgement — describes direction, magnitude, and official projections only.

About this indicator

Source
ONS
Update frequency
Annual
Last updated
23 January 2025 Data may be out of date
Next update
22 May 2025
Licence
OGL v3
Rising trend is…
Negative

Statistics

Latest
426.0 thousands
Period high
426.0
Period low
250.0
Period average
353.0