Indians Lead UK Exit Numbers As Britain Sees Sharp Drop In Net Migration

Last Updated:May 22, 2026, 09:26 IST

Despite topping emigration figures, Indians continued to receive the highest number of visa extensions across several categories.

Indian nationals were the largest group of foreigners leaving the United Kingdom last year, according to fresh migration data released in London on Thursday. The figures showed a sharp decline in overall net migration, which nearly halved compared to the previous year.

Data released by the Office for National Statistics showed that around 51,000 Indians who had moved to the UK for studies left the country in 2025. Another 21,000 Indians who had arrived for work and nearly 3,000 others also exited Britain during the same period.

Chinese nationals formed the second largest group leaving the country, with around 46,000 students and workers departing from the UK. Ukrainians, Pakistanis and Nigerians also featured among the top nationalities leaving Britain.

The latest estimates showed the UK’s net migration fell to 171,000 last year from a peak of 944,000 recorded under the previous Conservative government.

UK Government Defends Tougher Migration Policy

Responding to the figures, UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the government was restoring control over immigration.

“Net migration is now at 171,000, down from a high of 944,000 under the Conservatives. This government is restoring order and control to our borders," Mahmood said.

“We will always welcome those who contribute to this country and wish to build a better life here. But we must restore order and control to our borders. As these statistics show, real progress has been made, but there is still work to do.

“That is why I am introducing a skills-based migration system that rewards contribution and ends Britain’s reliance on cheap overseas workers," she added.

Indians Lead Visa Extensions

Despite topping emigration figures, Indians continued to receive the highest number of visa extensions across several categories.

Among Health and Care Worker visa extensions issued in the year ending March 2026, Indians topped the list with 107,306 approvals. Nigerians followed with 89,575, while Zimbabwean nationals received 31,117 extensions.

Indians also received the highest number of Skilled Worker visa extensions at 89,851. Pakistanis and Nigerians followed behind in this category.

In the student category, Indians again led Graduate Route visa extensions with 70,371 approvals.

They also remained the largest group receiving Sponsored Study visas to the UK, with 90,425 grants accounting for 23 per cent of the total visas issued under the category.

Fewer Arrivals Behind Migration Decline

The ONS said the fall in migration was mainly driven by a drop in arrivals from countries outside the European Union, including India.

According to the report, the number of non EU nationals arriving in Britain for work related reasons fell by 47 per cent last year.

ONS Deputy Director Sarah Crofts said migration levels had now returned to figures last seen during the Covid period.

“Net migration continues to fall and is at levels last seen in early 2021 when the new immigration system was introduced and COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions were still in place," she said.

“The recent decrease is being driven by fewer people arriving from outside the EU, particularly for work. While emigration had been increasing, there are early signs it may now be starting to fall, though it is too soon to say whether this will continue," she added.

The estimate for total long term immigration into the UK last year stood at 813,000, marking a 20 per cent decline from 2024.

Immigration Debate Continues In Britain

Immigration remains a major political issue in Britain, especially after gains made by Reform UK in recent elections.

The ruling Labour government has blamed the earlier Conservative administration for the sharp rise in immigration over recent years.

The tougher migration stance has also led the government to warn of visa restrictions and penalties for countries that refuse to cooperate in taking back illegal migrants.

News world Indians Lead UK Exit Numbers As Britain Sees Sharp Drop In Net Migration

Read More