Net migration falls to lowest annual figure since 2021, new estimates suggest

Net migration has dropped further to the lowest annual figure since 2021, new estimates suggest.

Net migration - the difference between the number of people moving long-term to the country and the number of people leaving - has been on a downwards trend for the past two years.

Latest figures published on Thursday show the number dropped to 204,000 in the year to June 2025, down 69% year-on-year, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Net migration peaked at a record 944,000 in the year to March 2023 but has fallen sharply since then.

Meanwhile, separate figures published by the Home Office show the number of asylum seekers being housed in hotels has risen.

Some 36,273 people claiming asylum were living in hotels at the end of September, which is up 13% on the figure in June.

Ministers have promised to end the use of hotels by the next election and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he wants to see asylum hotels closed "as quickly as possible".