According to Home Office data, the number of asylum claims in the UK in 2024 has increased to its highest level since records started in 1979. Data released Thursday shows that 108,138 asylum claims were made in the year ending December 2024, up 18% from 2023 and nearly twice as many as in 2021. According to the Home Office, the last high was noted in 2002. The new peak comes after tiny boat arrivals have increased in recent years. Although it was 20% less than in 2022, the number of small boat arrivals rose in 2024 as well, rising by 25% over 2023.

At a time when the government is under pressure to reduce the backlog of asylum decisions, the UK currently receives the fifth-highest number of asylum claimants in the “EU plus” region. The number of asylum cases awaiting an initial decision decreased by 5% last year, according to these numbers, which span the end of the Conservative and the beginning of the Labour governments. As of the end of 2024, there were about 90,600 cases, or around 124,800 persons, awaiting a decision.

The figure is still greater than it was prior to 2022. Additionally, 12% more persons were placed in immigration detention in the UK last year.In the meantime, the UK sent 2,251 individuals who had arrived by small boat back to their home country last year, a 10% increase over 2023.By the end of the parliament, the number of people who have been given citizenship has also increased significantly, reaching over 269,600 in 2024.Asylum seekers who are unable to sustain themselves while their claims are being reviewed are legally required to be accommodated by the government. However, there aren’t enough spots in the existing facilities because the number of asylum seekers in the UK has reached all-time highs.

The number of work and study visas, which make up the majority of arrivals excluding visitors and transit, increased last year, despite an increase in irregular arrivals. The Home office reports. By altering visa procedures and raising the minimum wage for a UK skilled worker visa, the previous Conservative administration implemented efforts to decrease legal migration.
Additionally, the Conservatives prohibited the majority of international students and health and social care workers from bringing family members to the UK.

Last year, almost 250,000 fewer foreigners entered the UK on work visas. There was an almost equal decrease in the number of persons coming for employment (down over 125,000) and the number of family members accompanying them (down almost 120,000).
The health and care worker route was a major factor in both falls. What do you think about the asylum claims in the UK, Leave us a feedback and Stay current and connect with us on [Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1An4REwgwy/?mibextid=wwXIfr].