UK immigration levels saw a sharp decline in 2024, with net migration falling by nearly 50% to 431,000, according to provisional figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This drop comes amid tougher visa rules and government efforts to reduce migration under the current administration.
How Many Migrants Arrived in the UK?
- In 2024, 948,000 people arrived in the UK expecting to stay at least a year, while 517,000 people left, resulting in a net migration of 431,000.
- That’s half the net migration recorded in 2023 (860,000) and down from the peak of 906,000 in mid‑2024 .
- Of those arriving in 2024:
- 6% were British nationals
- 13% were EU+ citizens (including individuals from Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein)
- A significant 81% came from outside the EU+, with Indian nationals being the largest single non-EU nationality.
EU net migration turned negative in 2024, with 96,000 more EU citizens leaving the UK than arriving Migration Observatory.
Which Visas Are Most Common?
👨💼 Work Visas
- 192,000 work-topic visas granted in year ending March 2025—down 39% from 2024, but still 40% higher than in 2019 .
- Health & Care Worker visas dropped sharply—23,000 issued in the year to March 2025 (85% fewer than 2023 peak) .
- Temporary Worker visas (mainly seasonal roles) numbered 75,000 in the same period—6% fewer than 2024 but 83% more than in 2019.
🎓 Student Visas
- 403,000 sponsored study visas issued (to main applicants) by March 2025—down 10% year-on-year, but 50% above 2019 levels .
- Student dependant visas fell 83%, to just 18,000, following restrictions introduced in January 2024. Now only postgraduate research students may bring dependants.
👪 Family Visas
- In the year ending March 2025, 76,000 family visas were granted—a 3% drop from 2024, but more than twice the total in 2021.
What Policies Are Driving These Changes?
The UK government rolled out major immigration reforms in 2024–25, including:
- Raising the minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas to £38,700 (up from £26,200).
- Restricting students’ ability to bring dependants (now limited to research postgraduates).
- Raising the threshold for family reunification visas to £29,000 (down from a proposed £38,700) .
- Proposals for tougher visa rules and longer residency before settlement (10 years instead of 5) .
- Encouraging domestic talent development and tighter control over asylum and migrant routes.
What the Numbers Reveal for Indian Applicants
- Indian nationals accounted for about 17% of total immigration to the UK in 2024, the single largest nationality group.
- Indian study visa numbers have dropped—down 36% between 2022 and 2024—but still remain major contributors, especially at master’s level (81% of Indian student visas are at postgraduate level).
Quick Summary Table
| Visa Type | Grants (Year End Mar 2025) | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Work Visas | ~192,000 | ↓ 39% vs. 2024, ↑ vs. 2019 |
| Health & Care Worker Visas | ~23,000 | ↓ 85% vs. 2023 peak |
| Temporary Worker Visas | ~75,000 | ↓ 6% vs. 2024, ↑ vs. 2019 |
| Student Visas (Sponsored) | ~403,000 | ↓ 10% vs. 2024, ↑ vs. 2019 |
| Student Dependant Visas | ~18,000 | ↓ 83% (due to rules change) |
| Family Visas | ~76,000 | ↓ 3% vs. 2024, ↑ vs. 2021 |
| Net Migration | 431,000 (2024) | ↓ ~50% vs. 2023 |
Final Thoughts
Although net migration to the UK has halved to 431,000, it still remains historically high—above pre-pandemic levels. This shift reflects tightened work, study, and family visa rules and a broader immigration strategy aimed at reducing overall inflows. For Indians planning to study or work in the UK, these changes mean higher salary thresholds, fewer dependants visas, and stricter qualification requirements—but the UK remains a major destination, especially for skilled professionals and master’s-level students.
Curious about how these changes impact eligibility or application strategy? Happy to help with targeted advice or visa planning tips!
