Where are most UK asylum seekers from?

In the year ending September 2025, the majority of people seeking asylum in the UK were primarily from Pakistan, Eritrea, Iran, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. Other, frequently reported top nations in recent years include Albania, Syria, Iraq, and Sudan. A significant proportion of arrivals are males aged 18–49.

What nationality are most asylum seekers in the UK?

The top five countries of origin of people seeking asylum were Pakistan, Eritrea, Iran, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. In terms of the number of asylum applications per head of population, the UK ranks 15th highest in Europe. There were 45,183 people detected arriving by small boats in the year to September 2025.

Where do asylum seekers in the UK come from?

This number rises to over 25,000 when considering claims lodged between 2022 and 2024, inclusive. Of those asylum seekers who had originally entered on a visa and are currently in supported accommodation (regardless of year of claim), the most common nationalities were Pakistan, Nigeria & Sri Lanka.

Which area in the UK has the most asylum seekers?

The North West region had 19% of the total supported population (20,416 people) slightly more than London (19,960 people). The North East and North West regions supported the largest number of asylum seekers as a proportion of their overall population (2,758 and 2,686 people per million residents respectively).

Where do most UK migrants come from?

India, Poland, Pakistan, Romania, and Ireland were the most common countries of birth among UK migrants in 2021/22. Together, the top five countries of origin accounted for 32% of all those born abroad. Family was the most common reason for coming to the UK among the foreign-born population in 2022, followed by work.

U.K. introduces tougher laws for asylum seekers

Does France take more asylum seekers than the UK?

They do and France actually receives a much larger number of asylum claims than Britain – around 167,000 in 2023, compared to 67,000 in the UK. Those who arrive in France often choose to remain there and a relatively small proportion of the asylum seekers intend on moving on to the UK.

Why are there so many Nigerians in the UK?

In the 1960s, civil and political unrest in Nigeria contributed to many refugees migrating to Britain, along with skilled workers. Nigerians emigrated in larger numbers in the 1980s, following the collapse of the petroleum boom.

Do immigrants get free housing in the UK?

But do people seeking asylum get this free housing forever? No. When someone gets refugee status, they can no longer stay in asylum accommodation. They can choose where to live, but they have to pay for their rent or ask for government help – like any UK citizen.

Who takes the most asylum seekers in Europe?

The table and chart below use Home Office statistics. These figures include dependants. In 2021 the UK was 4th in Europe in terms of the number of first-time asylum applications. Germany had the highest figure.

Which UK town has the most immigrants?

The most popular destination in the UK among migrants is London. Based on UK census data from 2021 (2022 in Scotland), London emerges as the most popular destination for migrants (Figure 1).

Do migrants benefit the UK?

Migrants contribute their labour to the workforce

Amid labour shortages in such sectors as healthcare, construction, and technology, foreign nationals help fill these gaps when they come to the UK to work. Migrants are often willing to take on jobs that UK-born workers may not be as interested in pursuing.

Which council has the most asylum seekers?

Additional metrics - Asylum seekers per capita15 March 2024

The highest was London Borough of Hounslow with 1.09% per capita, the lowest was Redditch with 0.08% per capita in Q3 2023/24.

Do illegal immigrants get free healthcare in the UK?

There are some services that anyone can access regardless of their immigration status, but you'll need to pay to use them. For people seeking asylum and refugees, secondary care is free to access. Secondary care includes hospital treatment, mental health care, hospital urgent care and community services.

How much money do asylum seekers get in the UK per week?

You'll usually get £49.18 for each person in your household. This will help you pay for things you need like food, clothing and toiletries. Your allowance will be loaded onto a debit card (ASPEN card) each week. You'll be able to use the card to get cash from a cash machine.

Why does the UK accept so many asylum seekers?

Why do we accept asylum seekers? The short answer is that we are bound to do so by international law. Anyone has the right to apply for asylum in any country that has signed the 1951 UN Convention on Refugees, and to remain there until the authorities have assessed their claim.

Can UK asylum be refused?

Refusing to process asylum claims: the safe country and inadmissibility rules. People who claim asylum in the UK can have their claim thrown out without consideration, or be denied an appeal, if they are from or have been in a safe country.

Which European countries do not accept refugees?

Which countries don't welcome migrants: where in the EU is the toughest migration policy now?

• Fortress Europe: the new reality of migration policy in the EU.
• Hungary: a pioneer in ignoring migration law.
• Poland: deportation as a state policy.
• Finland: national security comes first.
• Germany: legal balance on the brink.

Do asylum seekers get free bus passes?

There is no evidence of a UK-wide scheme to provide free public transport to asylum seekers. The Scottish government, in its 2025-26 budget, says it will reintroduce free bus travel for asylum seekers , opens new tab.

Are there more asylum seekers since Brexit?

From 2004 to 2020 there were between 22,000 and 46,000 people claiming asylum in the UK each year. However, since the second half of 2021 there has been a notable increase. The latest year is the highest on record (going back to 1979) with almost twice as many (+90%) claimants than in 2021.

Where will asylum seekers go instead of hotels?

Military bases or camps

Another place asylum seekers could be housed is in former military bases or in specially-constructed camps.

Do asylum seekers have to pay council tax?

No, asylum seekers do not have to pay council tax. Your local council will offer advice and support on how this is covered.

How long can an asylum seeker stay in the UK?

If you're granted refugee status or humanitarian protection you'll have permission to stay in the UK for a minimum of 5 years. You can also apply for a refugee integration loan. After 5 years, you can apply to settle in the UK.

What is the largest nationality in the UK?

The United Kingdom is an ethnically diverse society. The largest ethnic group in the United Kingdom is White British, followed by Asian British.

Which city in the UK has the most Nigerians?

London remains the city with the largest Nigerian population anywhere in the world 🌍🇳🇬

How long can Nigerians stay in the UK?

You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities. You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You might be able to apply to stay for longer in certain circumstances, for example to get medical treatment.