Britain has recorded its highest number of asylum applications in 20 years, with over 108,000 people seeking refuge in the UK last year—the most since record-keeping began in 2001.
In 2024, a total of 108,138 asylum applications were submitted, marking an increase from 91,811 in 2023. The previous peak was 103,081 applications in the year leading up to December 2002.
Migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats accounted for 32% of last year’s total applications. As of December, 38,079 asylum seekers were temporarily housed in hotels.
Individuals and families awaiting decisions on their applications or appeals are placed in temporary accommodation if they lack financial support. Due to a shortage of available housing, some are housed in hotels.
This rise in asylum applications comes as the government plans to close nine additional hotels used for temporary housing by the end of March. Reports suggest that new legislation may criminalize “creating a threat to life at sea” as part of efforts to curb illegal Channel crossings.
