Net migration to the UK halves in 2024 after fewer study and work visas issued
France 24Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 2:41:45 PM
The UK saw a big drop in net migration this year—almost cut in half—thanks to fewer work and study visas being handed out. New PM Keir Starmer’s government has already rolled out plans to shrink those numbers even more, signaling a tighter approach to long-term immigration.
Editor’s Note: Migration’s always a hot-button issue in the UK, and this sharp decline shows how quickly policy changes can reshape who gets in. Whether it’s students, workers, or families, these shifts ripple through universities, industries, and communities—so the debate isn’t just about numbers, but who fills gaps in the workforce and how the economy adapts. Starmer’s moves suggest the slowdown isn’t accidental, and businesses might need to brace for tighter labor pools.
— Curated via WP Now’s
