UK-Asylum crisis UK Asylum Claims Hit Record 111,000 as Labour Faces Pressure

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A staggering 111,000 asylum applications flooded the UK over the year to June, marking an all-time high, according to recent figures from the Home Office. This is a 14% rise from last year and surpasses the previous peak of 103,000 in 2002. Yet, amidst this surge, the government is processing claims faster than before the general election, potentially reducing the number of individuals reliant on housing support in the long run.

 

The backlog of pending cases remains significant, with 71,000 claims involving 91,000 people awaiting initial decisions. However, this is nearly half the peak backlog, which reached 134,000 cases at the end of June 2023. The number of people awaiting decisions has dropped by 18,536 since March, reflecting a concerted effort by officials to expedite processing.

 

The Labour government, under increasing pressure regarding immigration, has pledged to clear this backlog by 2029. They aim to curtail Channel crossings and establish new government-run accommodation, moving away from hotel reliance. Presently, 32,059 asylum seekers reside in hotels, an increase since Labour took office but well below the September 2023 peak of 56,000 under the Conservatives.

 

Asylum seekers, unable to support themselves, are housed while their claims are assessed. The Home Office forcibly removed 9,100 people in the year ending June 2025, representing a 25% increase over the prior year. Most of those deported were foreign offenders expelled at the conclusion of their sentences.

 

The High Court recently ruled against housing asylum seekers in a hotel in Epping, Essex, following a local council challenge. Other councils, including those led by Labour, are contemplating similar actions. Most asylum claims continue to hail from Pakistan, typically by individuals arriving on work or study visas, unlike those arriving by small boats, predominantly Afghans, reported the BBC.

 

Personal stories such as Daastan's highlight the human element of the backlog. Fleeing Afghanistan in 2023, he sought asylum in the UK, only to have his claim initially denied. Confined to a Yorkshire hotel, he awaits his appeal's outcome, expressing a sense of being trapped in another struggle.

 

Similarly, "Godgive", who fled Cameroon three years ago, feels isolated and "stuck" in the system. Living in a shared Home Office-provided house in the northeast of England, she dreams of being able to work or volunteer, longing for a sense of purpose. Her story underscores the emotional toll of waiting in the asylum system.

 

The financial burden on the Home Office remains considerable. Recent data indicates that £2.1 billion (88,237,260,000 THB) was spent on hotel accommodation last year, a reduction from £3 billion in the previous period. Small boat arrivals, accounting for 88% of entrants, reached 43,000, a slight decrease from the 2022 peak of 46,000. Afghanistan remains the most common country of origin.

 

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper claims Labour has bolstered visa and immigration control, cut asylum costs, and increased enforcement. However, she criticised the previous Conservative government's handling of the system. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp argues the government has "lost control of our borders." Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat Lisa Smart MP insists that Labour is mismanaging the ongoing backlog and accuses them of failing to effectively manage the crisis.

 

These figures underscore the ongoing challenges and complexities within the UK's asylum system, highlighting the intersection of policy, human impact, and political manoeuvring.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-08-22

 

[Mr Meeseeks]

The asylum scheme is not fit for purpose and is being abused on an industrial scale.

 

It need scrapped immediately.

[Middle Aged Grouch]

Not at all the fault of the asylum seekers/illegal migrants,  who are plainly victims and customers of the human trafficking mafia. 

 

Fault to all the leaders in the UK or at the European Union HQ in Bruxelles who are pushing and maintaining  laxist laws all under influence of the leftist woke liberal ideology. 

 

And to give it further thought, the asylum seekers/illegals are running various menial job sectors of the UK or UE European economy with cheap labour. 

 

This may also explain why governance all over the west is making a noise to apease their citizens,  but secretly close their eyes on the phenomenon. 

 

The UK was right in leaving the EU. But they need to stop applying all the absurd EU laws on asylum or illegals. 

 

Take the ukrainian issue for instance. Many east europeans bought real fake ukrainian passports enabling them to travel to western europe and get the over generous social aid often in cash,  that is being handed freely all over to holders of ukrainian passports 

[The Cyclist]

4 minutes ago, Middle Aged Grouch said:

who are plainly victims and customers of the human trafficking mafia. 

 

Paying customers are not victims.

 

4 minutes ago, Middle Aged Grouch said:

And to give it further thought, the asylum seekers/illegals are running various menial job sectors of the UK

 

Asylum seekers / illegals, should not be working any jobs. That makes them economic migrants, not asylum seekers.

 

 

[Middle Aged Grouch]

Just now, The Cyclist said:

 

Paying customers are not victims.

 

 

Asylum seekers / illegals, should not be working any jobs. That makes them economic migrants, not asylum seekers.

 

 

Obviously. 

 

But we all know that it's far from being as you say. 

[youreavinalaff]

7 minutes ago, The Cyclist said:

 

Paying customers are not victims.

 

 

Asylum seekers / illegals, should not be working any jobs. That makes them economic migrants, not asylum seekers.

 

 

A full time job should be part of the asylum claim.

 

Put them to work in local councils. Road sweeping, collecting rubbish, maintenence, etc. Most local councils could do with the extra manpower. Have them tagged so they don't do a runner. Have them working with existing teams so they can learn the ropes. 

 

When it comes to payday, deduct all living expenses. Give them what's left. When they go home at the end of each day, make sure they stay in their accommodation. No freedom to go where they like.

 

If every asylum seeker has to work full time, and stay inside after work,  that will sort out the genuine claimants and those that are in UK for the freebies the traffickers told them they can claim.

[Jim Blue]

Perhaps we could follow the Aussie system which actually worked.

Slight problem ....which UK island will accept them ?