FOI reference: FOI-2026-3594
You asked
I’m looking at the ONS provisional migration stats for year ending Dec 2025 which show 252,000 British citizens emigrated long-term.
I can’t find published data on:
Reason for emigration – Does ONS now collect reason for leaving under the new admin data method? If so, can you provide a breakdown for YE Dec 2025?
Family members leaving with removed persons – Does Home Office publish data on how many British citizens left the UK as dependents of foreign national offenders or illegal migrants who were removed?
Family returns 2024-25 – When will the next “family returns” statistics be published, and will they include a breakdown of FNO cases?
The lack of this data makes it hard to understand what’s behind the 79k to 252k increase. Any clarification or data you can provide would be appreciated.
We said
Thank you for your Freedom of Information request.
We do not hold information on individuals' reason for emigration. The method for producing emigration estimates of British nationals uses Registration and Population Interaction Database (RAPID) data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
RAPID data provide a single view of citizens' interactions across multiple sources, including from DWP, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and local authorities. RAPID contains data for every National Insurance number (NINo) interaction with the tax and benefits system, except self-assessment for those who have been living off investments or capital income since 2008. This does not contain any information on why someone is in or leaves the UK.
Information relating to questions 2 and 3 may be more suitable for the Home Office, as we do not hold information on removals or family returns. The Home Office can be contacted via email at foirequests@homeoffice.gov.uk.
We have unfortunately been unable to identify the data you reference in regard to a 79,000 to 252,000 increase.
If you have any further questions on any ONS topic, please email pop.info@ons.gov.uk.