Foreign-born population – 2024 | 19% of the population | Main countries of birth: India (9%), Poland (7%), Pakistan (5%) |
Size: 13.1 million | Evolution since 2015: +55% |
International Migration Outlook 2026
50th Edition
In 2025, the United Kingdom received 296 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), ‑32% compared to 2024. This figure comprises 23% labour migrants, 57% family members (including accompanying family) and 17% humanitarian migrants. Around 398 000 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 102 000 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 139 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2024, a 40% increase compared to 2023. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
India, Nigeria and Pakistan were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2024. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Nigeria registered the strongest increase (50 000) and China the largest decrease (‑22 000) in flows to the United Kingdom compared to the previous year.
In 2025, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑6.9%, to reach around 101 000. The majority of applicants came from Pakistan (11 000), Eritrea (8 900) and Iran (7 400). The largest increase since 2024 concerned nationals of Eritrea (3 900) and the largest decrease nationals of Syria (‑4 700). Of the 195 000 decisions taken in 2025, 32% were positive.
Emigration of the United Kingdom citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑2% in 2024, to 83 000. Approximately 22% of this group migrated to Spain, 13% to the United States and 13% to Australia.
The UK’s migration policies are focussed on strengthened border security through reduced net migration, increased returns and reform of the refugee and asylum system. Following the publication of the Immigration White Paper, Restoring Control over the Immigration System, in May 2025, several reforms have been introduced while others are subject to consultation and a phased introduction over the coming years.
Substantial changes to the Skilled Worker route entered into force in July 2025, lifting the skill threshold for sponsorship from Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 3 (equivalent to high school) to Level 6 (undergraduate degree level). The general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas increased to GBP 41 700 (c. EUR 48 800). Transitional arrangements allow existing Skilled Worker visa holders in lower-skilled occupations to extend or switch visas until April 2030, provided their original sponsorship predated earlier cut-off dates. Over 100 medium-skilled occupations were removed from eligibility for new overseas sponsorship.
The Asylum Policy Statement in November 2025, Restoring Order and Control, outlined major reforms to the UK’s immigration and asylum systems. This includes the introduction in late 2026 of stricter minimum requirements for indefinite leave to remain. The “baseline” qualifying period will be 10 years, but this will be adjusted up or down depending on individual circumstances. For example, people in higher-skilled jobs who either earn over GBP 50 270 or work in public sector healthcare and teaching roles could qualify for settlement after five years, whereas for people in jobs considered low-skilled or medium-skilled, the baseline starting point could be 15 years. The government ran a public consultation to gather views on the earned settlement proposals, which closed in February 2026, and is analysing the responses to help inform the development of the final model.
The Policy Statement also sets out a new approach to refugee protection in the United Kingdom, with refugee status becoming temporary (known as “core protection”) with periodic review, as opposed to automatic long-term settlement. To incentivise integration, refugees will have the option to switch into a bespoke protection, work and study route to access family reunion and settlement rights. Building on Canada’s successful refugee resettlement model, a new “community sponsorship” scheme was also announced, with the first arrivals expected in autumn 2027.
Legislatively, the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 enhanced intelligence‑gathering through new electronic device seizure powers and also introduced new offences and powers to enable earlier intervention against criminal networks. These measures allow law enforcement to target those who facilitate irregular migration at an earlier stage, including through the supply of equipment, preparatory activity and online advertising.
Returns and removals to deter irregular migration remain key and a reciprocal pilot “one-in one-out” agreement was signed with France in August 2025. For every undocumented asylum seeker who arrives via small boat and is subsequently deported to France, the United Kingdom accepts one vetted asylum seeker from France who has valid family ties or a high chance of being granted asylum. The agreement is due to expire in October.
For further information:
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office | www.gov.uk/government/collections/migration-statistics
