UK Records Record Asylum Claims Amid Europe Leading Rise

In 2024, the United Kingdom experienced a record surge in asylum applications, with over 108,000 claims filed, marking a 28% increase from 2023 and the highest total ever recorded. This rise was accompanied by 44,000 illegal attempts to enter the UK, primarily via Channel crossings in small boats, with significant numbers originating from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. While Germany saw the largest number of asylum claims in Europe at 230,000, its figures declined compared to the previous year, and other countries like Canada, Spain, and Italy also reported increases. The spike in UK asylum claims has drawn criticism from political figures who blame successive governments for failing to control immigration effectively, with the current Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledging past shortcomings in addressing illegal immigration. The increase in UK asylum seekers is part of a broader global trend, as OECD countries collectively received about 3 million new asylum applications in 2024, driven largely by the United States. Despite the challenges, UK government officials note improvements in asylum-related returns and a reduction in associated costs.