Indian students, workers lead exit trend in UK

LONDON, 21 MAY

UK net migration dropped sharply in 2025, with Indian nationals leading the exodus.

The Office for National Statistics reported around 51,000 Indians left for study, 21,000 for work, and 3,000 for other reasons, followed by 46,000 Chinese. Ukrainians, Pakistanis, and Nigerians also featured among the top emigrants.

The overall net migration fell to 1,71,000 from 9,44,000 under the previous government. The highest visa extensions for health and care workers went to Indians (107,306), with Indians also leading in Skilled Worker and Graduate Route visas. The decline is driven by fewer arrivals from outside the EU, and a 20 per cent decrease in total long-term immigration for 2024.