UK sees record number of asylum claims in 2024

LONDON

The UK witnessed an unprecedented number of asylum claims in 2024, the highest number since records began in 1979, according to figures from the Home Office on Thursday.

A total of 108,138 people sought asylum, marking an 18% increase compared to 2023 and almost double the number recorded in 2021.

The new figures highlight a significant rise in small boat arrivals, a trend that has continued in recent years.

The number of small boat arrivals in 2024 rose by 25% compared to the previous year, although it was still 20% lower than the peak recorded in 2022.

The increase came amid growing pressure on the government to address a backlog of asylum decisions, which remains a significant issue.

The number of asylum cases awaiting an initial decision decreased by 5% last year with 90,600, affecting approximately 124,800 people.

Despite the decline, the backlog remains higher than pre-2022 levels.

The Home Office also reported a 12% increase in the number of people placed in immigration detention in 2024.

Meanwhile, the UK returned 2,251 people who had arrived by small boats, a 10% increase from the previous year.

Alongside the rise in asylum claims and returns, there was a notable increase in the number of people granted citizenship, with more than 269,600 people receiving citizenship in 2024.