Net migration to the UK in 2023 has hit a new high of 900,000

Net migration to the UK in 2023 far exceeded initial forecasts to reach a record 900,000 despite a drop in arrivals due to tighter visa policies, official figures show.

According to figures released by the Office for National Statistics on Thursday, net migration to Britain reached 906,000 in the 12 months to June 2023, much higher than the previous estimate of 740,000. The bureau said the figure was the highest since 2021.

The Statistics Office said net migration in the year to June was 728,000, down 20 per cent from its all-time high. This is because tighter visa rules have reduced the number of dependents accompanying those entering the UK on student visas.

British voters are concerned that a large influx of migrants could exacerbate housing shortages and put more pressure on public services. High levels of legal immigration to the UK in 2016 were one of the driving forces behind Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

Immigration from the EU has fallen sharply since Brexit, but new work visa rules have prompted a surge in migrants from India, Nigeria and Pakistan, who often fill gaps in Britain's health and social care. British employers in sectors such as healthcare say they would not be able to function without foreign workers.

The Labour government blamed the immigration problem on the previous Conservative government, which also presided over 2023 under then-Conservative Prime Minister Sunak. The Conservative government had promised to reduce immigration and did take steps to restrict students and carers from bringing their families.

Starmer, who led a Labour government to power after the Conservatives lost the general election in July, has also said he wants to reduce the influx of migrants by training workers to fill skills gaps.

The ONS said the large increase in net migration to the UK in 2023 was likely due to more available data, more visa information for Ukrainians and improved methods of calculation.