A new update from the Asylum Information Database (AIDA), coordinated by the European Council on Refugees and Exiles, provides a detailed overview of the UKโs asylum system and the major developments throughout 2025.
The 130-page report offers a comprehensive overview of UK asylum law, policy and practice. You canย download it here.
The report offers a comprehensive analysis of how the system operates, covering asylum procedures, decision-making processes, living conditions for asylum seekers, detention practices, and the rights granted to those receiving international protectionโsuch as residence, family reunification, and access to social support.
Prepared by Sonia Lenegan, the update reflects data and policy changes up to the end of 2025. It highlights several important trends and concerns shaping the UK asylum landscape.
One of the key findings is the continued rise in Channel crossings during 2025, despite cooperation agreements with France. At the same time, asylum applications exceeded 100,000, showing sustained pressure on the system.
Although there has been progress in reducing the backlog of initial decisions, the report notes that this pressure has shifted to the appeals stage, with a sharp increase in cases going to tribunal. Concerns have also been raised about the quality of Home Office decisions, as a significant number of refusals are later overturned on appeal. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has also flagged issues with the asylum interview process.
On the legislative side, the report confirms that the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 repealed key elements of earlier laws, including the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024 and parts of the Illegal Migration Act 2023. New policies introduced include changes to the length of refugee permission and a โvisa brakeโ mechanism aimed at reducing claims from certain nationalities.
In terms of accommodation, the report notes a reduction in the use of hotels for asylum seekers, although large-scale housing sites are still expanding. It also highlights ongoing tensions, including protests outside some accommodation centres.
Immigration detention figures have also increased, with nearly 23,000 individuals detained in 2025, continuing a rising trend.
Additionally, the report includes a focused annex on visa schemes for people from Ukraine, outlining updates to eligibility, rights, and extension routes.