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3mo ago

UK Sees Record 108,000 Asylum Applications in 2024

The highest number since records began in 2001 reflects a rise in undocumented Channel crossings and growing processing backlogs.

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Anti-immigration rioters attacked hotels where migrants were staying, including the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham
Undocumented migrants who arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel in small boats accounted for 32 percent of total asylum claims last year

Overview

  • The UK received 108,138 asylum applications in 2024, an 18% increase from 2023 and the highest annual figure since 2001.
  • Undocumented Channel crossings accounted for 32% of claims, with 36,816 people making the journey in small boats last year.
  • The backlog of asylum decisions stood at 124,802 at the end of December, with efforts to accelerate processing reducing the peak from mid-2023.
  • Pakistani nationals made up the largest share of applicants (9.7%), followed by Afghan nationals (7.9%), while claims from Vietnamese nationals more than doubled from the previous year.
  • The UK government has pledged to close nine asylum hotels by March and improve decision-making efficiency to reduce reliance on temporary accommodations.