Migration Observatory
@migobs.bsky.social
The Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford provides independent, authoritative, evidence-based analysis on UK migration.
You can read more about the revised estimates here: www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopula...
Improving long-term international migration statistics, updating our methods and estimates - Office for National Statistics
Headline findings and revised estimates from updated data and new methods to estimate long-term international migration of British and EU+ nationals. These are official statistics in development.
www.ons.gov.uk
November 18, 2025 at 3:40 PM
You can read more about the revised estimates here: www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopula...
Does this mean more Brits are leaving the UK now than before the pandemic?
In short, we don't know. That's because British migration estimates using the new method only go back to 2021, and aren't comparable with pre-pandemic estimates based on the old method.
In short, we don't know. That's because British migration estimates using the new method only go back to 2021, and aren't comparable with pre-pandemic estimates based on the old method.
November 18, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Does this mean more Brits are leaving the UK now than before the pandemic?
In short, we don't know. That's because British migration estimates using the new method only go back to 2021, and aren't comparable with pre-pandemic estimates based on the old method.
In short, we don't know. That's because British migration estimates using the new method only go back to 2021, and aren't comparable with pre-pandemic estimates based on the old method.
The ONS revised the figures because it changed its methodology.
EU net migration was higher than previously thought (although still negative), and British emigration was significantly higher—ONS now believes British net migration was -114,000 in 2024, compared to a previous figure of just -17,000.
EU net migration was higher than previously thought (although still negative), and British emigration was significantly higher—ONS now believes British net migration was -114,000 in 2024, compared to a previous figure of just -17,000.
November 18, 2025 at 3:40 PM
The ONS revised the figures because it changed its methodology.
EU net migration was higher than previously thought (although still negative), and British emigration was significantly higher—ONS now believes British net migration was -114,000 in 2024, compared to a previous figure of just -17,000.
EU net migration was higher than previously thought (although still negative), and British emigration was significantly higher—ONS now believes British net migration was -114,000 in 2024, compared to a previous figure of just -17,000.
We also look at the most common visa categories among children, how many have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), what share of migrant families with children face housing deprivation and more. Check it out 👇
Children of migrants in the UK - Migration Observatory
This briefing looks at the children of migrants, including those born abroad and those born in the UK to foreign-born parents
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
November 7, 2025 at 12:42 PM
We also look at the most common visa categories among children, how many have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), what share of migrant families with children face housing deprivation and more. Check it out 👇
Want to know more? Check out our newly updated briefing on student migration.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
Student Migration to the UK - Migration Observatory
This briefing examines non-european student migration to the UK including where they come from, their characteristics, who sponsors them, and how many eventually settle in the country.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
November 4, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Want to know more? Check out our newly updated briefing on student migration.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
Nigerian and Indian international students are more likely to still be in the UK after five years, while US and Chinese students are much less likely.
November 4, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Nigerian and Indian international students are more likely to still be in the UK after five years, while US and Chinese students are much less likely.
Our updated briefing on student migration to the UK looks at the restrictions on student dependants, graduate visa trends, and how international students contribute to universities' revenue. Check it out 👇
Student Migration to the UK - Migration Observatory
This briefing examines non-european student migration to the UK including where they come from, their characteristics, who sponsors them, and how many eventually settle in the country.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
October 30, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Our updated briefing on student migration to the UK looks at the restrictions on student dependants, graduate visa trends, and how international students contribute to universities' revenue. Check it out 👇
Want to learn more? Check out the full briefing — and special thanks to Fragomen for their support in producing this piece.
October 17, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Want to learn more? Check out the full briefing — and special thanks to Fragomen for their support in producing this piece.
We also offer new analysis on the gender pay gap among Skilled Workers. Despite being a male-dominated route, women on these visas earn more, on average, than full-time female workers in the wider UK workforce.
October 17, 2025 at 10:58 AM
We also offer new analysis on the gender pay gap among Skilled Workers. Despite being a male-dominated route, women on these visas earn more, on average, than full-time female workers in the wider UK workforce.
Why the change? More male students and the 2024 ban on dependants have skewed UK study visas towards men. Women remain the majority in Health and Care, partner, humanitarian, and refugee family reunion visas—but policy changes are limiting these routes.
October 17, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Why the change? More male students and the 2024 ban on dependants have skewed UK study visas towards men. Women remain the majority in Health and Care, partner, humanitarian, and refugee family reunion visas—but policy changes are limiting these routes.
Although migration to the UK is roughly gender-balanced, our analysis shows that 2023 was the first time in at least seven years that men outnumbered women in visa and refugee grants.
October 17, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Although migration to the UK is roughly gender-balanced, our analysis shows that 2023 was the first time in at least seven years that men outnumbered women in visa and refugee grants.
