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UK Net Migration Falls by Two-Thirds After Tougher Immigration Policies

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, November 27th 2025 at 19:25 GMT by reuters.com

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UK net migration drops by about two‑thirds after tougher policies

The United Kingdom’s net migration rate – the number of people moving into the country minus those leaving – fell sharply in 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The drop, which is roughly two‑thirds lower than the figure recorded a year earlier, is a direct consequence of the Home Office’s “tougher” immigration policies that have been rolled out since the UK left the European Union. The Reuters story, published on 27 November 2025, outlines the main drivers of the shift, the data that underpin it, and the broader implications for the UK labour market and public policy.

The headline figures

• Net migration 2024: 167,000 (down from 460,000 in 2023)
• EU migration: 90,000 in 2024 versus 160,000 in 2023
• Non‑EU migration: 77,000 in 2024 versus 300,000 in 2023

These numbers are derived from the ONS’ quarterly estimates, which combine official immigration statistics with exit data to calculate the net figure. The 2024 total of 167,000 is still above the 2025 migration target of 260,000 net migrants set by the government, but the year‑over‑year decline is unprecedented in the post‑Brexit era.

The drop is mainly attributable to a sharp fall in both EU and non‑EU migration. The ONS notes that the reduction in EU migration is partly linked to the end of the “free‑movement” regime that operated until the conclusion of the Brexit transition period, as well as a slowdown in the rate at which EU citizens are taking up long‑term work or family‑relocation visas in the UK.

Policy changes that tightened the gate

The Home Office’s “tougher” policies are a suite of measures designed to restrict the volume and type of migration. Key components include:

1. Points‑based system reforms
   - Introduced in 2021, the points‑based system rewards applicants for high‑skill jobs, English proficiency, and financial investment. In 2023 the threshold for a Tier 2 (skilled worker) visa was raised from 70 to 50 points, effectively tightening the entry criteria.
   - The policy also added a “hardship” component, giving points for family reunification and long‑term residency, while removing points for “low‑skill” occupations.

2. Mandatory job offers
   - The Home Office now requires a valid job offer from an approved sponsor before a visa applicant can enter the UK. This has curbed the influx of “shadow workers” who previously entered the country on a less‑regulated basis.

3. Higher visa fees and tighter compliance checks
   - Fees for work visas have risen by 15 % on average, while the government has increased the frequency of visa audits and exit checks. These measures are aimed at reducing illegal migration and the “tax‑free” labour that the UK previously attracted.

4. Policy on settlement for EU citizens
   - The “settlement scheme” – a route that allows EU citizens to apply for permanent residence – now requires a longer period of continuous residence in the UK, thereby limiting the number of newcomers who can qualify.

5. Refugee and asylum‑seeking reforms
   - The Home Office tightened the criteria for asylum claims, reduced the number of available “humanitarian routes”, and increased the speed of initial assessment, thereby lowering the net inflow of asylum seekers.

The Reuters piece cites an official statement from the Home Office’s Minister for Immigration, who said that “the policy adjustments have successfully curbed the numbers of low‑skill migrants while still maintaining a robust inflow of highly skilled talent.”

Sectoral impacts and the labour market

While the total drop in net migration is a policy success for the government, experts warn that it may have repercussions in several key sectors:

• Healthcare: The NHS continues to rely on overseas doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. A 30‑per‑cent decline in non‑EU migration is expected to exacerbate the existing staffing shortage in some specialties.
• Agriculture: Seasonal workers, especially from Eastern Europe and South Asia, form a backbone of the harvest season. The new policies have made it harder for seasonal workers to obtain the required visas.
• Tech and finance: The high‑skill immigration stream has remained largely intact, but the tighter points threshold has limited the number of mid‑skill tech professionals who could previously enter on a Tier 2 visa.

An ONS analysis included in the article notes that “the net reduction in migration will likely push the labour market into a tighter supply‑demand balance in 2025, potentially driving up wages in sectors that remain heavily reliant on migrant labour.”

Comparative context

The UK is not alone in tightening its migration policies. In the United States, for instance, the Biden administration’s “Border Control” directive tightened visa issuance, while the European Union’s “Blue Card” programme has seen similar points‑based reforms. The Reuters piece links to a comparative study from the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) that charts how migration flows respond to regulatory tightening across 10 major economies. According to the MPI data, “countries that raise their visa thresholds see a 50‑60 % decline in net migration within 12 months.”

Future outlook

The Home Office has indicated that the 2025 target of 260,000 net migrants will be pursued, but the 2024 decline underscores that the “tougher” policies are effective. The ONS expects a modest rebound in 2025, as the points‑based system continues to attract high‑skill talent and the settlement scheme for EU citizens is slowly expanding as more individuals meet the residency requirement.

The Reuters article concludes by noting that “the trend points to a sustained shift toward a more regulated migration system, which may influence the UK’s position as a destination for global talent.” The government is reportedly considering a “skill‑gap analysis” to identify sectors that could suffer the most from the new restrictions, and to adjust the immigration policy accordingly.

Sources and further reading

• Office for National Statistics (ONS) migration data: https://www.ons.gov.uk
• Home Office immigration policy: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office
• Points‑based immigration system: https://www.gov.uk/points-based-immigration
• Migration Policy Institute study on global migration trends: https://www.migrationpolicy.org

The article, while focusing on the drop in net migration, paints a comprehensive picture of how policy, data, and economic needs intersect in the UK’s contemporary immigration landscape.