UK net migration falls to lowest level since 2012, official data shows
According to a single-source report from Marginal Revolution, net migration to Britain last year totaled 171,000, the lowest level since 2012 when pandemic years are excluded. The figure is a sharp drop from the peak year ending March 2023, when net migration reached 944,000 following nearly 1.5 million arrivals. The report cites the Office for National Statistics and data from The Economist, noting that the decline is largely driven by a continuing fall in the number of economic migrants. James Bowes of Warwick University is quoted suggesting net migration could turn negative in 2026. The article also points out that the UK government’s attempt to filter for highly desirable immigrants is not working as intended, with visa numbers for IT professionals falling from about 28,000 in 2022 to 10,000 last year. Additionally, the article notes that many Britons incorrectly believe immigration to the country is still rising.
What’s reported
Net migration to Britain last year was 171,000, the lowest since 2012 excluding pandemic years.
At the peak (year to March 2023), net migration was 944,000, with almost 1.5 million immigrants arriving.
James Bowes of Warwick University thinks net migration might turn negative in 2026.
The number of visas given to IT professionals fell from about 28,000 in 2022 to 10,000 last year.
The average India-born employee in Britain earns £32,400 a year, Nigeria-born earns £34,000, and British-born £30,900.
The Migration Observatory found that recent migrants’ wages quickly exceed the national average after initially low earnings.
Most Britons still think immigration to the country is rising, according to The Economist.
Open questions
Whether the government’s filtering system for highly desirable immigrants will be adjusted.
The extent to which the decline in economic migrants will continue.
Misconceptions
The article addresses the misconception that immigration to Britain is rising, when in fact net migration has fallen to its lowest level since 2012.
Key figures
Office for National Statistics
James Bowes (Warwick University)
The Economist
The Migration Observatory
Marginal Revolution (source outlet)
Sources: marginalrevolution.com
