The drop in net migration doesn't reflect the visa law changes brought in by the Government in early 2024.
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Net migration to the UK has fallen by 10% in 2023, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Net migration is the difference between the number of people coming into the country and those leaving.
Recently released data shows that the figure was nearly 700,000 in the year leading up to December 2023.
This represents a 10% drop in the figures for 2022 where the UK saw record-high levels of net migration.
However these numbers do not reflect the visa law changes brought in by the Government in early 2024.
The policy changes included increasing the minimum salary required for a skilled worker visa from £26,200 per year to £38,700 and a ban on healthcare workers bringing dependents.
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has criticised the 2023 figures.
She argues that although the numbers are falling on last year, the figure is still high.
“Net migration has more than trebled since Rishi Sunak and his party promised to get it down at the last election,” she added.
Home Secretary James Cleverly insisted the latest statistics on migration show the Conservatives’ plan is “working”.
According to the think tank British Futures, “net migration for this year will be much closer to the long-term average, around 250,000-300,000, than current levels.”
Director Sunder Katwala said: “Immigration is now falling. That’s partly due to circumstance, with unusual surges subsiding; and partly through policy choices, particularly on dependants’ visas.”
Immigration will feature heavily in the run-up to the election, which Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced will take place on 4 July.
Marley Morris, IPPR associate director for migration, trade and communities, said: “The reality is there are some tough choices on immigration which will need to be grappled with, whoever wins the upcoming election.”
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HeadlineNet migration estimated to have fallen after record high year
Short HeadlineNet migration down 10% from the record high in 2022
StandfirstData from the ONS shows that migration is lower in 2023 than the year before.
Net migration to the UK has fallen by 10% in 2023, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Net migration is the difference between the number of people coming into the country and those leaving.
Recently released data shows that the figure was nearly 700,000 in the year leading up to December 2023.
This represents a 10% drop in the figures for 2022 where the UK saw record-high levels of net migration.
However these numbers do not reflect the visa law changes brought in by the Government in early 2024.
The policy changes included increasing the minimum salary required for a skilled worker visa from £26,200 per year to £38,700 and a ban on healthcare workers bringing dependents.
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has criticised the 2023 figures.
She argues that although the numbers are falling on last year, the figure is still high.
“Net migration has more than trebled since Rishi Sunak and his party promised to get it down at the last election,” she added.
Home Secretary James Cleverly insisted the latest statistics on migration show the Conservatives’ plan is “working”.
According to the think tank British Futures, “net migration for this year will be much closer to the long-term average, around 250,000-300,000, than current levels.”
Director Sunder Katwala said: “Immigration is now falling. That’s partly due to circumstance, with unusual surges subsiding; and partly through policy choices, particularly on dependants’ visas.”
Immigration will feature heavily in the run-up to the election, which Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced will take place on 4 July.
Marley Morris, IPPR associate director for migration, trade and communities, said: “The reality is there are some tough choices on immigration which will need to be grappled with, whoever wins the upcoming election.”
