UK Migration and Asylum Statistics July 2024 – June 2025
Net migration to the UK between July 2024 and June 2025 was 204,000, marking a 69% decrease over the previous 12 months and nearing pre-Covid levels according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Immigration during this period was 898,000, down 31% over 12 months, while emigration increased by 7% to 693,000.
Small-boat arrivals totaled 40,652 crossings from January 1 to December 18, 2025, an increase of 16% compared to 2024. The average boat size was 61. These crossings have been the most common method of illegal entry since 2020, with nearly all arrivals claiming asylum, representing 41% of asylum applications from October 2024 to September 2025.
As of September 2025, there were 108,085 people in asylum accommodation, with 36,273 housed in hotels (34%). The government has pledged to end hotel use by 2029. Hotels are primarily concentrated in the south, while Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are more common in the north.
Returns and deportations increased by 11% to 36,457 between October 2024 and September 2025. Under the one-in-one-out agreement with France, 153 people were returned as of November 27, 2025.
Legal migration visas numbered 838,908 granted from October 2024 to September 2025, a 22% decrease. Study visas accounted for 53% of these, with India representing 23% of study visa recipients. India and China together made up nearly half of all study visas.
The asylum backlog included 80,841 individuals awaiting a first decision as of September 2025, with 69,670 refused asylum appeals pending decision. Refugee status was granted in approximately 44% of asylum decisions, and about 42% of appeal decisions were overturned.
