The UK government has released the latest immigration statistics for the year ending March 2026, showing one of the sharpest declines in migration levels in recent years. After reaching a historic peak in 2023, tighter visa policies and increased restrictions on work and student visas have led to a significant fall in net migration.

At the same time, Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders have started entering the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) stage. So far, 8,682 BN(O) settlement applications have been approved.

How Many People Enter the UK Each Year?

According to Home Office data, the UK recorded around 136.8 million arrivals in the year ending March 2026. Most were short-term visitors, including tourists, business travellers, and family visitors, while British citizens accounted for around 57% of all arrivals.

Migration contributed approximately 171,000 people to the UK population last year, with net migration falling to its lowest level since 2012, excluding the pandemic years.

Latest figures show:

• Around 898,000 long-term arrivals
• Around 693,000 departures
• Net migration of approximately 204,000

Compared with the near one million peak in 2023, this represents a substantial decline.

Why Has Migration Declined?

1. Restrictions on Student Dependants

The UK government banned most international students from bringing dependants to the UK, causing dependant visa applications to fall by more than 80% compared with 2023. At present, dependents of students is strictly limited to students on specific postgraduate research or government-sponsored courses.

2. Higher Skilled Worker Salary Threshold

The minimum salary requirement for the Skilled Worker Visa increased from £26,200 to £38,700 and then to £41,700, while overseas recruitment rules in the care sector were also tightened.

As a result, work visa applications have fallen significantly.

3. Fewer International Students

Changes to visa policies and rising living costs have also slowed demand for studying in the UK, with some students considering countries such as Canada and Australia instead.

Asylum and Illegal Entry Remain Key Issues

Despite the overall decline in migration, asylum and illegal entry remain major political concerns.

By the end of 2025:

• Around 101,000 people claimed asylum
• About half arrived through illegal routes, including small boat crossings
• Another 39% originally entered the UK legally before claiming asylum

BN(O) Visa Holders Enter the Settlement Stage

Settlement approvals outside of work, family, and refugee routes  increased by 63% year-on-year to 28,445 cases, largely driven by the BN(O) route.

Launched in 2021, the BN(O) visa scheme allows eligible Hong Kong BN(O) status holders and their family members to live, work, and study in the UK, with a pathway to permanent settlement after five years.

As the first wave of arrivals from 2021 become eligible for ILR, BN(O) settlement applications are now entering a peak period, with further increases expected in the coming years.

Conclusion

The latest figures show UK migration levels are continuing to fall from their post-pandemic peak, mainly due to tighter student and work visa policies.

However, the UK economy still depends on overseas talent, and balancing immigration control with economic growth will remain a major challenge for the government.

Contact Sincere Immigration

We assist with a wide range of UK visa, settlement, and British citizenship applications. Whether you already have a clear immigration plan or are still exploring your options, our team is happy to help you find the most suitable pathway.

Feel free to contact us privately to arrange a consultation.