UK asylum claims drop slightly in 2025 as small boat arrivals rise by 13%
BBC World
February 26, 2026
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The UK saw a slight decline in asylum claims in 2025, with figures showing a 4% drop compared to the previous year. Despite this, small boat arrivals increased by 13%, reaching 41,262 individuals. These boats accounted for nearly half of all asylum seekers and remained the primary method of illegal entry, making up 89% of such cases. While this number is lower than the peak in 2022, it highlights a persistent challenge in managing irregular crossings, particularly as warmer weather has led to an uptick in Channel attempts.
The government's focus on reducing reliance on asylum hotels has shifted more people into longer-term accommodations, with over 72,000 placed in housing including HMOs. This aligns with plans to close all asylum hotels by 2029 and utilize larger sites like military bases. Nationalities of those arriving by small boats include Eritrea, Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, and Somalia, reflecting ongoing global displacement trends.
While overall asylum claims have declined across all routes, including work and study visas, there has been a notable decrease in claims from students, contributing to the broader drop. The Home Office reported a 10% reduction in dependant visas for students and a 30% decline in work-related visas. However, study visa grants remain steady, with Indian, Chinese, and Pakistani nationals leading the list.
The backlog of unresolved asylum cases has decreased to its lowest level since 2020, at 64,426 applications. Of those processed, 42% were granted protection status, while 58% were refused, with refusal rates remaining steady from the previous year. Enforced removals have risen by 21%, driven by increased deportations of individuals without legal right to remain and agreements with other countries.
These figures underscore a complex migration landscape, balancing policy changes and enforcement efforts with humanitarian obligations. As global displacement continues, the UK's approach to managing arrivals and addressing asylum claims remains a critical issue for policymakers and international observers.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/26/2026