India has become the largest non-EU nationality both entering and leaving the United Kingdom, according to new immigration data that highlights the scale of movement between the two countries. The figures show that Indian citizens continue to dominate long-term arrivals, particularly through study and work pathways, while also accounting for a significant share of departures.
Between the latest reporting period, the U.K. recorded 90,000 arrivals of Indian nationals for study-related reasons, reflecting the high demand for British universities and vocational programs among Indian students. Another 46,000 Indians arrived for work, making India the leading source of skilled professionals and labour contributing to the U.K.’s workforce. An additional 9,000 arrivals were recorded under family, dependants, and other categories.
Officials say the data underscores the strength of the India–U.K. mobility corridor, which has expanded sharply since the introduction of post-study work rights and employer-sponsored routes. Universities continue to report rising enrolments from India, while British employers — particularly in health care, IT, and hospitality — remain heavily reliant on Indian workers to fill labour shortages.
However, the latest figures also show that Indians make up the largest non-EU group emigrating from the U.K., indicating that many arrivals are staying only for the duration of study or fixed-term employment contracts. Analysts say this pattern reflects both the temporary nature of many visa categories and the growing number of students returning to India or moving onward to other countries for opportunities.
Migration experts note that the dual trend — India topping both inflow and outflow lists — highlights the fluid movement of young professionals and students who view the U.K. as a short- to medium-term stepping-stone rather than a permanent destination.
The data comes at a time when the U.K. government is reviewing immigration policies, with debates over student dependants, worker salary thresholds, and overall migration caps. For India, the numbers reaffirm its position as one of the strongest contributors to global mobility and skilled migration, even as policy shifts in the U.K. continue to shape long-term outcomes.