Track UK's latest migration numbers - net migration, visas, asylum and small boats

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Track UK's latest migration numbers - net migration, visas, asylum and small boats23 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleBBCUK net migration has dropped to the lowest level, outside of the Covid pandemic, since 2012. How does that sit alongside other key migration measures, including asylum applications, small boat arrivals and visas granted? Scroll down to find out more about the latest key figures, and get answers to key questions on a range of topics.

Is the government meeting its pledges on illegal immigration and asylum? Why do Channel migrants want to come to the UK? Find out more about people crossing the Channel in small boatsProduced by: Rob England, Libby Rogers, Jess Carr, Aidan McNamee, John Walton, Becky Dale, Allison Shultes, Chris Kay, Steven Connor and Scott Jarvis.

The Details

Graphics by: Jez Frazer, Zoe Bartholomew and Joy RoxasAbout the dataFigures from government and other official sources can be revised between publications. This page shows data as presented in the latest available release. Immigration, emigration and net migration*The net migration figure for the UK will not exactly equal immigration minus emigration because the Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes it as a rounded number.

Immigration and emigration estimates from the ONS are updated twice a year. Net migration figures use the internationally recognised definition of a long-term migrant: "A person who moves to a country other than that of their usual residence for at least a year. "Visas for legal migrationThe total number of visa entries only includes visas that have been granted.

It does not include visitor visas or transit visas, where the UK is not the final destination. Visa figures record when permission was granted, not when or whether someone arrived in the UK. If a person was granted more than one visa within the year shown, each visa is counted separately.

What Experts Say

Work visas refer to new individuals granted permission, or extensions of existing permission. This includes categories such as seasonal work, health and care, domestic worker and youth mobility visas. Study visas include all individuals sponsored by approved UK education providers, as well as those on short-term study visas.

Family visas allow someone to come to or remain in the UK to live with close family members already here. This includes joining a spouse, partner, child or parent, or coming to care for a relative. The "Other" category includes visas outside work, study and family routes.

This covers humanitarian schemes such as the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme and the British National (Overseas) route. It also includes family permits for people from European Union or European Economic Area countries. Asylum applications and accommodationHome Office figures for asylum seekers in hotels are published under the category "contingency accommodation - hotel".

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.