UK net migration: non-EU nationals
UK net migration: non-EU nationals stood at 350,000 people in Dec 2025, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is one of the indicators in the International migration table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jun 2012 to Dec 2025. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the International migration table
| Indicator | 12-2025 | 09-2025 | 12-2024 | 09-2024 | 06-2024 | 03-2024 | 12-2023 | 09-2023 | 06-2023 | 03-2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net migration by nationality | |||||||||||
| Non-EU | 350,000 | 381,000 | 511,000 | 676,000 | 825,000 | 903,000 | 1,005,000 | 1,031,000 | 1,045,000 | 1,047,000 | |
| All nationalities | 171,000 | 202,000 | 331,000 | 497,000 | 649,000 | 734,000 | 848,000 | 891,000 | 924,000 | 944,000 |
Understanding UK net migration: non-EU nationals
Isolating individuals arriving from outside the European Union and the European Free Trade Association, this metric computes the net demographic balance for non-European citizens within the United Kingdom. It subtracts outbound departures of non-European nationals from their corresponding inbound arrivals, capturing shifts driven by work visas, study programmes, and family reunion pathways originating beyond those specific regional blocs. By separating this group from European nationals and domestic citizens, the series highlights demographic dynamics governed by national immigration controls and visa sponsorship policies rather than regional freedom of movement rules.
Evaluating this metric effectively involves recognising that administrative data sources underpinning non-European visa records are subject to methodological adjustments and late processing revisions. Seasonal patterns often cluster around academic terms and employment visa start dates, making rolling twelve-month comparisons more reliable than month-on-month shifts. Analysts comparing this series against gross immigration figures should note that departure timing can lag years behind initial arrival cohorts, meaning net balances do not always mirror current immigration volumes.
Frequently asked questions
- Which countries are excluded from this specific regional grouping?
- Member states of the European Union and the European Free Trade Association are excluded.
- Do dependants accompanying primary visa holders factor into this row?
- Yes, dependant family members holding non-eligible passports are counted within this nationality filter.
- How do visa extensions affect the reported net balance?
- Visa extensions alter residency status inside the country but do not count as new international arrivals.