The Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Home Office have released the latest immigration figures, showing substantial decreases from Covid-era highs. Net migration to the UK has dropped to 171,000 people in the year to December 2025, marking the lowest level since 2012.
Key drivers of the decline
Sarah Crofts, deputy director of the ONS, stated: "The recent decrease is driven by fewer people arriving from outside the EU, particularly for work." Regarding emigration, she added: "There are early signs it may now be starting to fall, though it is too soon to say whether this will continue."
Asylum claims and hotel use
Home Office data reveals that asylum claims have fallen by 12%, with 93,525 people claiming asylum in the UK between April 2025 and March 2026. However, this figure remains more than double pre-pandemic levels. The number of asylum seekers residing in hotels while awaiting processing dropped to 20,885 in the 12 months to March 2026, down from 30,657 in December 2025 and a peak of 56,000 in September 2023.
Small boat arrivals
Despite the overall decline in net migration, small boat arrivals increased by 13% to 41,262 in the year to December 2025. During this period, 100,625 people claimed asylum, with 41% arriving via small boats.
These figures reflect ongoing changes in UK immigration patterns, with significant reductions from peak levels but persistent challenges in certain areas.
