How many people claim asylum in the UK?
85,891 people claimed asylum in the UK in 2026 (to Jun). At first decision, 38% of claims decided were granted protection. The highest year we show is 2024, with 104,764 claims.
2026 (to Jun). Highest: 104,764 (2024).
Of first decisions on asylum claims, 2026 (to Jun).
Asylum over time
What’s this?
The number of people who applied for asylum in the UK in the year (the main applicants, not their dependants).
What it cannot tell you: Each point is a calendar year, apart from the last, which covers the twelve months to the latest quarter. The numbers show claims, not how many people arrive: many arrive by other routes.
What’s this?
Of the asylum claims decided for the first time, the share that were granted protection (refugee status or similar).
What it cannot tell you: Each point is a calendar year, apart from the last, which covers the twelve months to the latest quarter. The numbers show claims, not how many people arrive: many arrive by other routes.
Year by year
| Period | People claiming asylum | Share of asylum decisions that grant protection |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 (to Jun) | 85,891 | 38% |
| 2025 | 101,911 | 42% |
| 2024 | 104,764 | 47% |
| 2023 | 87,427 | 67% |
| 2022 | 95,007 | 76% |
| 2021 | 57,942 | 72% |
| 2020 | 37,603 | 46% |
| 2019 | 45,537 | 52% |
| 2018 | 38,483 | 33% |
| 2017 | 34,435 | 32% |
| 2016 | 39,357 | 34% |
| 2015 | 39,968 | 40% |
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a migrant and an asylum seeker?
An asylum seeker has asked the government for protection because they fear persecution in their own country. Whether they become a refugee depends on the Home Office decision. Asylum claims are counted separately from the migration estimates.
How many people claim asylum in the UK?
85,891 in 2026 (to Jun), including only the main applicant on each claim, not their dependants.
What share of claims succeed?
At the first decision, 38% of the claims decided in 2026 (to Jun) were granted protection. More are granted on appeal.
What does “people claiming asylum” measure?
The number of people who applied for asylum in the UK in the year (the main applicants, not their dependants). It was 85,891 (people a year) in 2026 (to Jun), up 48% on 2021. The highest we have is 104,764 (2024) and the lowest 22,644 (2010).
What does “share of asylum decisions that grant protection” measure?
Of the asylum claims decided for the first time, the share that were granted protection (refugee status or similar). It was 38% (% of decisions) in 2026 (to Jun), down 34.1 points on 2021. The highest we have is 76% (2022) and the lowest 26% (2010).
Sources: Home Office, Immigration system statistics. Updated every night. Each chart has a CSV and a Share button.
See also: Migration