UK Migration and Asylum Statistics for July 2024–June 2025
Net migration for July 2024 to June 2025 was 204,000, with figures described by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) as near pre-Covid levels as of 27 November 2025.
During this period, immigration arrivals totaled 898,000 while emigration departures numbered 693,000, resulting in the net figure. Immigration decreased by 31% year on year, while emigration increased by 7%.
Asylum applications from October 2024 to September 2025 totaled 110,051, marking a 13% rise compared to the previous year. About 41% of these asylum seekers arrived via small boats.
Small-boat arrivals from 1 January to 17 December 2025 reached 40,652, reflecting a 16% increase from the same period in 2024. The average boat size was 61 people. Since 2020, small boats have been the most detected illegal entry method, accounting for approximately 5% of total immigration between July 2024 and June 2025.
As of September 2025, 108,085 people were housed in asylum accommodation, with 36,273 (34%) accommodated in hotels. The government aims to end the use of hotels for asylum housing by 2029. Hotels are more common in southern England, whereas Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are more frequent in the north and Scotland.
There was a backlog in asylum processing, with 80,841 individuals waiting for a first decision and 69,670 refused asylum seekers appealing, combining to a significant case load. Approximately 44% of asylum decisions grant refugee status, while around 42% of appeals overturn previous refusals.
Returns and deportations from October 2024 to September 2025 totaled 36,457, an 11% increase year on year. These returns represent around 5% of total emigration during July 2024 to June 2025. Notable subgroups among those returned include 5,343 convicted criminals, 10,958 who had lodged asylum claims, and 2,272 who had arrived by small boat.
Under a one-in, one-out arrangement with France, 153 people had been returned as of 27 November 2025.
In terms of legal migration, 838,908 entry visas were granted from October 2024 to September 2025, a 22% decrease year on year. Study visas made up the largest portion at 53% of all visas. India was the top source for study visas, accounting for 23%, with China and India combined making up about half of all study visas.
