Net migration to UK fell to lowest point since Covid – but half of Britons still think it’s rising

May 20, 2026 · 11:00 PM UTC ·6 min read · 0 reactions · 0 comments · 38 views

TL;DR · WeSearch summary

Net migration to the UK has decreased to its lowest level since the Covid pandemic, with an estimated 204,000 people entering the country in the year to June 2025. Despite this decline, a survey indicates that nearly half of Britons believe net migration is increasing. The disconnect between public perception and actual figures has prompted calls for politicians to address the issue.

Key facts

▪Net migration to the UK fell to 204,000, down 69% from 649,000 the previous year.
▪A survey found that 49% of Britons believe net migration has increased, while only 16% recognized the decline.
▪The upcoming statistics are expected to show net migration falling below 200,000.

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Record

Original publisher	The Independent
Canonical URL	https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/net-migration-visas-migrants-mahmood-b2980180.html
Publication time	Wed, 20 May 2026 23:00:25 GMT
Retrieval time	2026-05-20T23:10:03.199Z
Last seen	2026-05-20T23:10:03.199Z
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Publisher visit	Yes — open original
Substitutes article?	No — link-out required for full text

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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand

NewsUKHome NewsNet migration to UK fell to lowest point since Covid – but half of Britons still think it’s risingBritish Future said politicians “need to take responsibility” for the growing disconnect between the true migration figures and public perception of immigration Holly Bancroft Home Affairs Correspondent Thursday 21 May 2026 00:00 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2980180","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/net-migration-visas-migrants-mahmood-b2980180.html","title":"Net migration to UK at lowest point…

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