Dramatic drop in net migration
Net migration to the UK fell sharply in the year ending June 2025, decreasing by two-thirds compared to the previous 12 months, according to provisional figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The difference between people arriving and leaving the UK stood at 204,000, down from 649,000. The decline was mainly driven by fewer arrivals for work and study purposes.
Asylum claims reach record high
Home Office data shows that asylum claims reached a record 110,051 in the year to September 2025. The number of asylum seekers temporarily housed in hotels increased by 2% compared with September 2024. These figures highlight the growing pressures on the UK immigration system despite falling net migration overall.
Key statistics from the ONS and Home Office
The ONS data covers net migration for the year ending June 2025, while the Home Office figures cover the immigration system for the year ending September 2025. Key points include:
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Initial asylum decisions increased to 133,502, with 45% granted asylum.
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Cases awaiting a first decision decreased by 36% between September 2024 and September 2025.
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The backlog of appeals has continued to grow steadily.
Asylum hotel usage and legal disputes
The government plans to end the use of asylum hotels by the end of the current parliament. As of September 2025, more than 36,000 people were temporarily housed in hotels, a 13% increase over the previous three months, but only a 2% rise compared to September 2024. This is still below the September 2023 peak of 56,018.
Legal disputes continue, including Epping Forest District Council’s appeal against a High Court ruling that rejected its attempt to close Bell Hotel to asylum seekers. A Home Office spokesperson stated that fewer than 200 hotels remain in use and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to close all of them.
Small boat arrivals increase
Small boat arrivals increased by 53% compared with the previous year, with 45,659 people crossing the Channel in 12 months, nearly matching the 2022 peak of 45,774. Among them, 5,151 were children under 18, including 2,700 accompanied minors.
Additionally, 153 migrants were removed to France under the “one in, one out” pilot scheme, while 134 people were later returned to the UK through this program.
Overall net migration trends
ONS net migration figures include individuals changing residence for 12 months or more, covering asylum seekers arriving via regular and irregular routes as well as other forms of immigration. The overall fall coincides with a 70% reduction in arrivals of non-EU+ nationals on work and study visas (EU+ includes EU countries plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland).
Government response and migration reforms
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said net migration is at its lowest level in five years and has fallen by more than two-thirds under the current government. She emphasized reforms to ensure migrants contribute positively to the UK.
Recent proposals include changes to the legal migration system, adjustments to timelines for achieving settled status, and measures to tackle illegal migration. Policy changes such as the increase in salary thresholds introduced in June 2024 may have contributed to the drop in net migration.
If you need guidance or support regarding UK immigration or migration issues, contact LawSentis today. Our team of IAA-regulated experts provides professional advice and can help you navigate complex immigration processes.