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A record number of individuals seeking asylum in the UK in 2024 has surpassed the previous highest recorded level dating back to 2002, according to data from the Home Office. Figures recently released indicate that asylum claims reached an all-time high since records began in 1979. Throughout the year leading up to December 2024, a total of 108,138 people sought asylum – marking an 18% increase compared to the previous year and nearly double the figure from 2021.
This surge in asylum claims coincides with a rise in small boat arrivals in recent years. The number of small boat arrivals also saw an uptick in 2024, with a 25% increase from the previous year, although it was 20% lower than in 2022. Presently, the UK ranks as the fifth-largest recipient of asylum seekers within the “EU plus” area, amidst mounting pressure on the government to reduce the backlog of asylum decisions. Statistics spanning the end of the Conservative government and the commencement of Labour reveal a 5% reduction in cases awaiting an initial decision last year, with 90,686 pending cases involving 124,802 individuals by the end of 2024 – still higher than levels before 2022.
Furthermore, there has been a notable surge in individuals granted citizenship, with the tally soaring from 130,568 in 2020 to 269,621 in 2024. This figure represents the highest level since such data has been officially recorded by the government. Mubeen Bhutta, the British Red Cross’s director of policy, research, and advocacy, implored the government to establish “safer routes” to dissuade individuals from embarking on perilous journeys to reach the UK. Bhutta emphasized the humanity behind the statistics, highlighting the struggles of men, women, and children compelled to flee their homes in search of safety.
Angela Eagle, the Border Security and Asylum minister, criticized the prior administration for presiding over a “broken asylum system,” stating that Labour inherited a substantial backlog of asylum claims. Eagle acknowledged efforts to streamline the system, acknowledging that it would require time to overhaul processes effectively. In response to queries regarding the surge in asylum claims, Eagle pointed to the allure of the UK as a desired destination but stressed the need for a more rigorous approach in handling visa violations. While irregular arrivals increased in the past year, the number of work and study visas, excluding visitors and transit visas, saw a decline
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