What is net migration?
Net migration is the number of people moving to live in a country minus the number leaving, usually measured over a year. In the year to December 2025, UK net migration was about 171,000, according to provisional ONS figures published in May 2026. That was down sharply from a peak of 944,000 in the year to March 2023.
The ONS counts people who move for at least 12 months. In the year to December 2025, about 813,000 people arrived and about 642,000 left. Figures are often revised as more data comes in, so early estimates can change. Each figure is an estimate built from visa, tax and travel data. The ONS usually updates its figures each May and November.
Net migration rose sharply after 2021. Reasons included new visa routes for health and care workers and more international students and dependants. Humanitarian schemes for people from Ukraine and Hong Kong also added to the total. Tighter rules from 2024 on care worker and student dependants helped bring numbers down. Emigration has also risen as some students and workers left after their visas ended.
Net migration is different from asylum claims or small boat arrivals, which are only a small part of the total. Most migrants come legally to work, study or join family. Supporters of higher migration point to filling job shortages and boosting the economy. Others say high numbers put pressure on housing and public services and want firm limits.
The left tends to stress migrants' contribution to the economy and public services and opposes harsh rules on families.
The right tends to argue numbers have been far too high and want much lower targets or a legal cap.
Britain is split. Now you decide.
In WeDecide's Statute Book you can vote on a legal cap on migration and weigh labour shortages against public opinion.
Play WeDecide freeCommon questions
What is the UK's net migration figure?
About 171,000 in the year to December 2025, based on provisional ONS figures from May 2026.
What was the highest UK net migration?
About 944,000 in the year to March 2023, the record high.
Does net migration include asylum seekers?
Yes, those who stay a year or more are included, but they make up a small share.