UK Records Highest Number of Asylum Applications in Two Decades, OECD Data Shows

UK Records Highest Number of Asylum Applications in Two Decades, OECD Data Shows
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Britain received a record 108,000 asylum applications in 2024 — the highest figure in Europe and the largest ever recorded in the UK — GB News reported. According to new data from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the number of applications rose 28% from 84,000 in 2023, surpassing the previous peak of 103,000 set in 2002.

The rise contrasts with trends in other major European destinations, where asylum applications have fallen. Germany, Europe’s top recipient after the United States, registered about 230,000 claims — down by nearly 100,000 from the previous year. France also recorded a decline, while Spain and Italy saw smaller increases of 164,000 and 151,000 applications, respectively.

The OECD reported around 44,000 unauthorized entry attempts into the UK last year, mostly through Channel crossings. Pakistani nationals accounted for the largest share of asylum seekers, with more than 10,000 claims, followed by Afghans and Iranians at over 8,000 each.

The record figures have intensified scrutiny of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government amid ongoing challenges in managing migration and border security. Britain also recorded 436,000 permanent migrants in 2024, remaining well above pre-pandemic levels despite a decline from 2023.