Why 80% of Migrants Left the UK in 2025: Indian Students Lead Emigration Amid Stricter Immigration Rules

The United Kingdom is witnessing one of its most dramatic shifts in migration patterns in recent years. New data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for the year ending June 2025 shows a sharp decline in net migration accompanied by a significant rise in outward movement—particularly among non-EU nationals who originally entered on study visas. Among these departures, Indian nationals form the largest group, followed by Chinese citizens.

This blog explores what the data reveals, why so many are leaving, how policy changes are reshaping international student decisions, and what this means for the UK’s labour market and global education position.

Net Migration Drops 80%: What the Numbers Reveal

According to ONS statistics, the UK’s net migration fell by 204,000 in the year ending June 2025—an 80% drop compared to its peak in 2023. This represents one of the steepest declines since pandemic reopening.

A major driver of this decline is the mass departure of international students and workers, especially from India and China.

Indian Departures: Largest Among All Non-EU Nationals

The ONS reports the following departures among Indian nationals:

• 45,000 who initially entered on study visas
• 22,000 who entered on work visas
• 7,000 under the ‘other’ visa category

This brings the total to approximately 74,000 Indian nationals leaving the UK, making them the largest non-EU nationality group to exit in this period.

Despite this outflow, Indian citizens also remained the UK’s top recipients of new visas, receiving:

• 90,000 study visas
• 46,000 work visas

These figures underscore India’s continuing importance in UK migration trends—both inward and outward.

Chinese Nationals: Second-Highest Emigration Group

Chinese nationals recorded around 42,000 departures, placing them second after India in long-term emigration numbers.

Mary Gregory, Executive Director for Population and Census at the ONS, noted that the UK is witnessing “the lowest level of net migration since 2021,” primarily due to fewer non-EU entrants for work or study.

Why So Many International Students Are Leaving the UK

While the UK continues to attract students, many who entered on study visas are choosing to leave once their academic programmes end. The ONS attributes the surge in departures mainly to long-term international students completing their studies and returning home.

However, the story is more complex.

1. Tightening Immigration Rules

Over the past two years, the UK government has introduced several measures targeting international student routes, including:

• Restrictions on dependants
• Higher salary thresholds for work visas
• Tighter rules around switching from study to work routes
• Increased scrutiny on recruitment and course integrity

These measures have created uncertainty among prospective and current students.

2. Graduate Route Under Review

A major concern for students has been the UK government’s ongoing review of the Graduate Route, which currently allows international graduates to stay and work in the UK for two years (or three years for PhD graduates).

While no policy has yet been enforced, indications suggest that the route may become:

• Shorter in duration
• More selective in eligibility
• More aligned with labour market needs

This uncertainty is contributing to shifts in student mobility and decisions to leave upon completing their courses.

The Business Community Pushes Back

While government reforms aim to curb migration, London’s business community is raising alarms. A recent survey highlighted in The Indian Express shows:

• 93% of London businesses say international talent helps address skill shortages.
• 84% support maintaining a clear post-study pathway for international students.

Sectors such as:

• Technology
• Finance
• Healthcare
• Research
• Engineering

are particularly dependent on global talent pipelines, and industry leaders warn that aggressive immigration caps may harm the UK’s competitiveness.

Labour Market Impact: “Looking Tough” vs. Economic Reality

The UK labour market continues to struggle with shortages—especially in high-skill STEM fields, care work, hospitality, and research-intensive roles.

However, tightening migration rules have led to:

• A three-year low in skilled worker visas
• Employers struggling to fill specialised roles
• Increased pressure on existing workforce capacity

Dr Dora Olivia Vicol, CEO of the Work Rights Centre, criticized the government’s approach, stating that the focus on appearing “tough” on immigration is “actively working against economic growth” and undermining migrant welfare.

International Education Trends: What Students Are Thinking

Even as new rules take effect, university leaders observe complex shifts in student sentiment rather than a mass decline.

Steady Demand, But Changing Preferences

Lucy Everest, COO of the University of Liverpool, recently noted that UK demand among postgraduate students remains stable. However:

• More Indian parents now prefer “hybrid pathways” — starting in India with the option to progress to the UK later.
• Students increasingly evaluate return-on-investment based on visa stability, work rights, and job market clarity.
• There is rising interest in countries like Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe, which currently offer more predictable post-study policies.

This aligns with a broader global trend: students want clarity, security, and a stable pathway to work experience.

Political Response: Government Defends Its Approach

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood defended the government’s policies, arguing that migration must be brought to “sustainable levels” to reduce pressure on:

• Housing
• Local councils
• Public services
• NHS infrastructure

She reiterated that net migration has “fallen by more than two-thirds under this government” and that further reforms are likely.

What Lies Ahead for Students and Migrants?

The current landscape points to several near-term shifts:

1. Students will be more selective about the UK

Visa uncertainty may drive many toward:

• Ireland
• Germany
• Netherlands
• Canada
• Australia

unless the UK restores confidence in its post-study pathways.

2. Employers will continue lobbying for more international talent

Businesses fear a shrinking talent pool at a time of skill shortages.

3. India–UK migration corridors will remain active

Despite departures, the UK remains a top destination for Indian students—though future arrivals depend heavily on upcoming Graduate Route decisions.

Conclusion

The latest ONS data paints a complex picture: while the UK remains a major hub for international education and employment, its evolving immigration landscape is pushing many recent migrants—particularly Indians—to leave. The combination of tighter rules, uncertain post-study opportunities, and sectoral labour shortages is reshaping patterns of mobility and sparking debates on economic priorities versus migration control.

As the UK prepares for further reforms in 2025–26, students, employers, and policymakers will all be watching closely to see how these changes shape the country’s position in the global talent race.