Overview
- Net migration is now estimated to have peaked at 944,000 in the year to March 2023, higher and earlier than previously recorded.
- The latest figure for the year to December 2024 has been revised down to 345,000, a sharper fall than the prior estimate of 431,000 and a 59% drop from the previous 12 months.
- Estimated British emigration in 2024 has been lifted to 257,000 from 77,000, with 143,000 returning, taking net migration of British nationals to minus 114,000 versus an earlier minus 17,000.
- Cumulative net migration for 2021–2024 is now put at 2.55 million, down from a previous estimate of 2.65 million after incorporating the new methods.
- The ONS says the International Passenger Survey underestimated movements; it now uses DWP National Insurance interactions for Britons and Home Office data for EU+ and non‑EU nationals, with further updates due on November 27.