Islamabad, 19 May, 2025: Asylum Seekers in Europe have shifted global migration patterns, with Pakistan emerging in 2024 as the leading country of origin for those seeking refuge in the United Kingdom.
According to newly released government figures, the number of Pakistani applicants surpassed those from war-torn nations like Afghanistan, Syria, and Iran indicating a notable change in asylum dynamics.
Sharp Rise in Applications Strains System
The UK saw a significant surge in asylum requests, registering 84,200 applications in 2024 alone. This figure marks more than a threefold increase compared to the average annual total between 2011 and 2020.
The growing volume has placed immense pressure on immigration services, leaving a large number of applications unresolved.
As the backlog grew, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration confirmed it had initiated talks with foreign governments whose names were not disclosed to set up offshore facilities where individuals with denied claims could be relocated.
READ MORE: Pakistan Reverses Passport Ban, Allowing Asylum Seekers to Apply Again
While supporters argue that these “return centres” might ease the domestic burden, critics question the legal and ethical implications of such external processing.
Processing Delays and Legal Challenges
By the end of 2024, nearly 225,000 asylum cases remained under review, including over 87,000 awaiting initial decisions.
Although some progress was made since the 2022 peak, the system still lags due to slow decision-making and legal appeals. Asylum Seekers in Europe are now facing longer waits and increased uncertainty.
The initial rejection rate rose to 53 percent in 2024 an uptick from 24 percent in 2022 but still lower than the 88 percent recorded in 2004.
Historical data shows that a significant portion of those denied do pursue appeals, with about one-third eventually overturning the decisions.
Channel Crossings Compound the Crisis
Irregular sea routes have intensified the challenge. Nearly 148,000 people reached Britain via small boats since 2018, and most of them requested asylum.
READ MORE: EU Declares Seven Safe Countries to Reduce Asylum Applications
In just the early months of 2025, more than 13,000 have crossed the Channel already outpacing the same period last year.
As debates continue over border security and humanitarian obligations, Asylum Seekers in Europe remain at the centre of the UK’s evolving immigration policy.
