UK net migration almost halves in 2024 to 431,000, ONS says

Net migration to the UK fell to 431,000 in 2024, down almost 50% on the total in 2023.

The Office for National Statistics says the drop is "driven by falling numbers of people coming to work and study, particularly student dependants".

The big fall is believed to be down to restrictions introduced by the previous UK Conservative government, and a delayed effect of the pandemic.

Net migration is the difference between the number of people arriving and leaving - 948,000 people moved to the UK in 2024, while 517,000 left.

Before last year's election, Labour pledged to reduce net migration, and recently introduced new stricter rules for some visas.