Pakistanis Top UK Asylum Applications: Over 11,000 Requests Filed in One Year

London:
Pakistani nationals have topped the latest list of asylum seekers in the United Kingdom, according to a recent report released by the UK Home Office. During the year ending in March 2025, 11,048 Pakistanis applied for political asylum in Britain — the highest number among all nationalities.

This marks a significant rise from the previous year (2023–24), when Pakistan ranked third with 7,003 applications. The nearly 58% year-on-year increase reflects growing instability and desperation among many in the region.
The report indicates that Afghan nationals filed 8,069 applications, placing them second on the list, while Syrian asylum claims also witnessed a notable increase. In total, 109,343 individuals submitted asylum requests in the UK during this period, with approximately 33% arriving via dangerous sea crossings on small boats.

Over 100,000 Applications Still Pending
The Home Office further revealed that, as of March 2025, 109,546 asylum claims were still awaiting initial decisions. This backlog has sparked debates around the effectiveness and efficiency of the UK’s immigration and asylum system.

Meanwhile, the UK government has stepped up deportations of those whose asylum claims have been rejected. Between October and December 2024, 2,365 individuals were removed from the country, followed by an additional 2,312 deportations from January to March 2025.
Home Secretary’s Tough Stance

UK’s new Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, stated:

“We are taking strong action to remove foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers. The laws are being strengthened to ensure more individuals are returned promptly.”

Commentary: Asylum or Escape?
Analysts suggest that the rising number of Pakistani asylum seekers may be linked to political instability, suppression of press freedom, economic hardship, and rising insecurity within Pakistan. Some experts, however, argue that there’s a growing misuse of the asylum system by individuals attempting to evade legal or political consequences.

Note: With the UK’s immigration policies tightening rapidly, individuals submitting false or weak asylum claims may not only face removal but could also be banned from re-entry or future visa eligibility.