In a dramatic development, net migration to the UK fell sharply in 2024, dropping to 431,000, down from 860,000 in 2023—a 50% decrease, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The decline is attributed to fewer arrivals on work and student visas, along with an increase in departures, particularly among international students whose post-COVID visas have now expired. The most significant drop was seen among migrants from non-EU countries, including India, Nigeria, and Pakistan.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, facing pressure from the anti-immigration Reform UK Party, welcomed the figures as supporting his pledge for a “balanced migration system.” However, the previous Conservative government claimed the outcome as a result of visa restrictions it introduced.
Net migration peaked at 906,000 in mid-2023, largely driven by an influx of international students and healthcare workers. The 2024 data signals a major shift and mirrors similar immigration tightening in countries like Germany, Canada, and Australia.
While the political response has been largely positive, experts caution that the sharp decline could exacerbate labour shortages in critical sectors such as healthcare, construction, and hospitality, while also posing financial risks to universities reliant on international student fees.
With tougher immigration rules set to take effect in 2025, migration numbers may fall even further—prompting debate over how the UK will reconcile economic needs with political commitments in the post-Brexit landscape.
