Net migration to the UK reached a higher peak than previously thought and has since fallen more sharply, according to revised official figures.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said improved calculation methods showed net migration - the difference between the number of people arriving and leaving - peaked at 944,000 in the year to March 2023.
This was higher and slightly earlier than the previous estimate of 906,000 for the year to June 2023.
The statistics body also reported a steeper subsequent decline, with the figure for the year to December 2024 now estimated at 345,000. This is significantly lower than the 431,000 estimate published in May.
The key reason for the revision is a change in how the ONS estimates the movement of British nationals. The new data suggests emigration - the number of people leaving the UK - has been "consistently higher" than previous figures indicated.
For the year to December 2024, an estimated 257,000 British citizens emigrated, a substantial increase from the initial estimate of 77,000.
The ONS stated that these updated figures provide a more accurate picture of migration patterns, though it cautioned that measuring international movement remains complex.
The government has stated that reducing net migration is a key policy goal. These revised statistics will likely fuel further debate on the effectiveness of recent measures to control immigration.
