Asylum Seekers - Immigration to Britain - Year 6

In the context of immigration to Britain, the year 2022 saw a significant number of initial decisions on asylum applications, totalling 18,699. This figure represents a 29% increase from the previous year, yet it is still 10% lower than the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. The decisions made regarding these applications are critical for individuals seeking safety and a new life in the UK. Despite the increase in decisions, the numbers indicate that the system is still recovering from the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Interestingly, the proportion of positive outcomes for asylum seekers in 2022 was notably high, with 76% of initial decisions resulting in grants of refugee status, humanitarian protection, or other forms of leave to remain. This grant rate is the highest it has been since 1990 when it reached 82%. When examining the top 10 nationalities that applied for asylum, it is evident that certain countries had exceptionally high grant rates, with Afghanistan at 98%, Iran at 80%, Syria at 99%, Eritrea at 98%, and Sudan at 84%. These high rates of acceptance may be influenced by various factors, including fewer rejections due to the UK's departure from the European Union, which has affected third-country refusal protocols. The grant rate is a reflection of both the individual circumstances of the asylum seekers and the broader political and legal context within which they are seeking refuge.