UK Sees Record Asylum Claims in 2024
The UK experienced a historic surge in asylum claims in 2024, with 108,138 individuals seeking refuge—the highest number since records began in 1979, Anadolu Agency reported. This figure represents an 18% increase from 2023 and nearly doubles the total from 2021.
The rise in claims is attributed to a significant increase in small boat arrivals, which rose by 25% compared to the previous year, although this number remains 20% lower than the peak in 2022. The Home Office is under pressure to address a backlog of asylum decisions, which decreased by 5% last year, leaving 90,600 cases pending.
Additionally, the number of individuals placed in immigration detention rose by 12% in 2024. The government also returned 2,251 people who arrived by small boats, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. In contrast, more than 269,600 individuals were granted citizenship in 2024, reflecting a complex immigration landscape.
