Immigration & Migration
25 countersNet migration to the UK reached 204,000 in the year to June 2023 — the highest on record — with approximately 1.2 million people arriving and 533,000 leaving. The Home Office granted over 1.2 million visas in 2023 across work, student, family and humanitarian categories. There were 84,000 asylum applications and the asylum hotel accommodation bill reached approximately £4 billion per year. All UK immigration statistics are sourced from ONS International Migration estimates and Home Office Immigration Statistics.
Net Migration This Year
Net Migration Since You Opened This Page
People Arrived in UK This Year
People Left UK This Year
Work Visas Granted This Year
Student Visas Granted This Year
Family Reunion Visas Granted This Year
Total Visas Granted This Year
Asylum Applications This Year
Asylum Applications Pending Right Now
Asylum Decisions Made This Year
Asylum Applications Approved This Year
Asylum Applications Rejected This Year
Small Boat Crossings This Year
People Arriving by Small Boat This Year
Asylum Hotel Cost Today
Asylum Hotel Cost This Year
Total Asylum System Cost This Year
Citizenship Grants This Year
EU Nationals Living in UK (settled status)
UK Nationals Living in EU
UK Population Born Outside UK
Top Countries of Origin for Migrants
Net Migration — Same Point Last Year
Refugees Resettled via Official Schemes This Year
How Many Illegal Immigrants Are in the UK?
There is no definitive official count of illegal (undocumented) immigrants in the UK. Because undocumented migrants are by definition not registered in official systems, any figure is an estimate. The most widely cited academic estimate — a 2009 study by the London School of Economics — put the number at approximately 618,000. More recent estimates suggest the figure is higher.
A 2023 estimate from Migrationwatch UK suggested a figure of between 800,000 and 1.2 million, accounting for three main categories: visa overstayers (people who entered legally but remained after their visa expired), failed asylum seekers who were refused leave to remain but did not leave, and people who entered clandestinely — including small boat arrivals. The Home Office does not publish an official estimate of the undocumented population.
The UK Border Force recorded approximately 29,437 small boat crossings in 2023 — the majority of people who crossed claimed asylum on arrival, meaning they entered the asylum system rather than remaining undocumented. Since 2018, over 100,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats.
Sources: LSE Centre on Migration, Policy and Society; Migrationwatch UK; Home Office Border Force statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on official UK government data
What is the net migration figure for the UK in 2026?
Net migration to the UK was 204,000 in the year to June 2023, according to ONS figures, one of the highest figures ever recorded. Approximately 1.2 million people arrived in the UK while 533,000 departed. Net migration has been at record levels since 2021 driven by work and student visas.
How many people crossed the Channel in small boats?
In 2023, approximately 29,437 people crossed the English Channel in small boats, according to Home Office statistics. Since 2018 over 100,000 people have made the crossing. The government spends approximately £4 billion per year on asylum seeker accommodation and support.
How much does immigration cost the UK per year?
The UK government spends approximately £4.5 billion per year on the asylum system, including hotel accommodation costs of around £4 billion annually. This does not include wider public service costs. Work and student visa programmes generate significant economic contributions through taxes and fees.
How many illegal immigrants are in the UK?
There is no definitive official count of illegal (undocumented) immigrants in the UK. The most widely cited estimate — a 2009 LSE study — put the figure at approximately 618,000. A 2023 Migrationwatch estimate suggested between 800,000 and 1.2 million, accounting for visa overstayers, failed asylum seekers who did not leave, and clandestine entrants. The Home Office does not publish an official estimate. Small boat crossings totalled approximately 29,000 in 2023, with most crossers claiming asylum on arrival.
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