UK sees record number of asylum claims in 2024
108,138 people sought asylum, up 18% from 2023 and nearly double the number recorded in 2021
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.
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