'Brain drain' fuels drop in net migration

NET migration fell to 204,000 — down from 649,000 in the year to June 2024 — as the number of people leaving the country hit the highest level for a century. An exodus of 693,000 fuelled fears the UK is losing out on talent, with the vast majority of Britons departing being under the age of 35. The largest proportion of leavers were foreign nationals returning home after finishing their courses. Some 898,000 people moved to the UK in the year to June while 693,000 emigrated — the most since 1923.

- BY MICHAEL KNOWLES Home Affairs Editor

Communities and Local Government Secretary, said: “This drop in net migration is mainly the result of the tough visa controls I introduced as Home Secretary, which brought grip and discipline to a system that had been overstretched for too long.