Exodus Unpacked: Indian Students and Workers Top UK’s Migration Outflow Amid Tougher Visa Rules

Indian nationals are leading a major exodus from the UK, according to the latest migration data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In the year ending December 2024, 37,000 Indian students, 18,000 workers, and 3,000 others left the UK, making Indians the largest nationality group to emigrate, followed by Chinese, Nigerians, Pakistanis, and Americans. The overall net migration to the UK halved to 431,000—down from 860,000 the previous year—driven largely by a sharp drop in arrivals and a surge in departures, especially among those who originally came on study and work visas. The trend is attributed to the UK’s recent tightening of visa and immigration policies, including stricter English requirements, higher salary thresholds for skilled workers, a shorter post-study work period, and the closure of the health and care worker visa route for new applicants. These changes have made it harder for international students and professionals to stay long-term, prompting many, especially Indians, to return home or seek opportunities elsewhere. Source: Economic Times, Business Standard, Tribune India, Rediff