In 2024, Pakistan became the number one country from which people are seeking asylum in the United Kingdom. This means more people from Pakistan are now applying for asylum in the UK than from any other country, including places like Afghanistan, Syria, and Iran. It’s a big shift and shows a major change in how and where people are moving in the region.
Official records from the UK government show that over 84,000 people applied for asylum this year alone. This is a huge jump compared to the past. From 2011 to 2020, the UK received an average of around 27,500 asylum applications per year. So, the number of people applying in 2024 is more than three times higher than what used to be normal in those earlier years.
This large increase in asylum applications has put a lot of pressure on the UK’s immigration system. The system is struggling to keep up, and many people are still waiting for decisions on their cases. As a result, tens of thousands of applications remain stuck in the process, creating delays and uncertainty for those who are hoping to start a new life in the UK.
This rise in migration from Pakistan and other countries is raising concerns and discussions among governments, experts, and the public about what is causing the increase, and how countries like the UK can better handle the growing number of people seeking safety and stability.
