Asylum applications soar to record levels in the UK
- The UK reported a record high of 108,138 asylum applications in 2024.
- Around 32 percent of these asylum seekers arrived via small boats across the English Channel.
- The government is under pressure to improve decision-making and reduce accommodation costs.
In the United Kingdom, the number of asylum applications reached unprecedented levels in 2024, with 108,138 submissions recorded, the highest figure since the Home Office began tracking data in 2001. This number represents an 18 percent increase from the previous year and surpasses the previous record of 103,081 set in December 2002. A significant contributor to this spike in applications is the rise in small boat crossings, as 32 percent of asylum seekers arrived in the UK via this method, with around 37,000 people making the crossing in 2024. Despite the increased number of applicants, for the first time since 2020, the statistics reveal that more asylum claims were refused than granted. This indicates a shift in the decision-making process within the Home Office that has led to an increase in refusals. Furthermore, the number of asylum seekers housed in temporary hotels also increased, highlighting ongoing challenges in accommodating those waiting for application outcomes. Efforts are being made by the government to expedite processes and reduce the reliance on hotel housing. At the end of December, approximately 124,802 individuals were awaiting an initial decision on their asylum application, reflecting a 6 percent decrease from the previous quarter. This backlog, which peaked at 175,457 in June 2023, indicates efforts to improve processing times. However, concerns remain that hastening decisions might lead to a larger volume of appeals, complicating the situation further. The government acknowledges the need for improvements in decision-making to alleviate pressures on the asylum system and reduce accommodation costs. In response to these figures, Marley Morris from the Institute for Public Policy Research emphasized the importance of enhancing the speed and quality of the decision-making process. She urged that applications from nationalities with high grant rates should be streamlined and managed effectively to prevent the system from becoming further overwhelmed. The statistics point to an expanding challenge in the UK's asylum system, necessitating a more proactive approach from authorities to balance humanitarian responsibilities with practical resource management.