“Record-Breaking Surge: Number of Migrants Granted Asylum in the UK Hits 40-Year High, Sparking National Debate!
This is a record number since records began nearly 40 years ago and is higher than during the refugee crisis in the early 2000s. However, by the end of June 2024, the number of asylum applications had fallen by nearly a third, from 175,457 a year ago to 118,882.
During the same period, the number of migrants granted British citizenship reached its highest level in more than 50 years, with around 246,488 people, an increase of 37% compared to the same period in 2023 and 10 times higher than the 23,146 cases in 1962 – the time when the British Government began to compile records on granting citizenship to migrants.
The most common non-EU nationals granted British citizenship are Indians (22,263), Pakistanis (19,491) and Nigerians (10,905). However, this only accounts for 28% of the total number of non-EU nationals granted British citizenship because migrants to the UK have so many nationalities.
Italy is the EU member state with the most British citizens in the year ending June 2024, with 13,188, followed by Romania (7,675) and Poland (7,008).
Net migration to the UK will hit a record high of 764,000 in 2022 and fall to 685,000 in 2023, as London relaxes visa rules for workers, students and people from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Hong Kong.
With net migration controls in place, such as restrictions on bringing dependants, the number of visas issued to foreign workers, overseas students and those reuniting with family in the UK has fallen by 14%.
The number of overseas students applying for student visas in the UK fell by 23% in the first six months of 2024 and by 13% in the 12 months to June this year, to 432,225. The number of dependent student visa applications fell by 81% in the first six months of 2024 to 11,675.
Work visas fell 11% to 286,382, health care visas fell 26% to 89,095 and skilled work visas fell 3%.
The UK is witnessing a historic surge in the number of migrants granted asylum, reaching the highest levels seen in 40 years. This unprecedented increase has ignited a fierce national debate over the country’s immigration policies and their long-term impact on society.
According to recent data, the number of successful asylum applications has skyrocketed, driven by escalating global conflicts, persecution, and humanitarian crises. This surge has placed immense pressure on the UK’s immigration system, leading to concerns about resources, integration, and national security.
Supporters of the increased asylum grants argue that the UK has a moral obligation to provide refuge to those fleeing violence and oppression. They emphasize the humanitarian aspect, pointing to the nation’s longstanding tradition of offering sanctuary to those in need. However, critics argue that the current asylum policies are unsustainable and could strain public services, housing, and social cohesion.
The government is now facing mounting pressure to address the issue, with calls for a balanced approach that ensures both the protection of vulnerable migrants and the management of the country’s resources. As the debate intensifies, the UK must navigate these complex challenges while upholding its commitments to human rights and international obligations.
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