UK sees record number of asylum claims in 2024

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - 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.