The number of people claiming asylum in the UK dropped by 4% in 2025, according to new Home Office data, even as arrivals on small boats increased by 13%.
In total, 100,625 people lodged asylum claims in the year to December, with 41% of these arrivals coming via small boats.
Although small boat arrivals rose to 41,262, this remains below the peak of 45,774 recorded in 2022. The data also shows a decline in claims from people arriving through other routes.
There was a 20% decrease, to 11,190, in individuals arriving through other irregular channels, such as in lorries or shipping containers, or presenting themselves at entry points without proper documentation.
While many associate asylum seekers with those arriving on British beaches, a significant proportion of claims in recent years have come from individuals already in the UK on work, study, or visitor visas, or those with other valid leave. This group remained relatively stable in 2025, at just over 39,000 people, after rising steadily since late 2021.
Among asylum seekers arriving by small boat, the most common nationalities were Eritrean (19%), Afghan (12%), Iranian (11%), Sudanese (11%), and Somali (9%).
The warmer weather has led to increased Channel crossings in recent days. Earlier this week, 74 migrants arrived in the UK on Tuesday. In Ramsgate on Wednesday, the BBC observed dozens of people being rescued from small boats in the Channel by Border Force and RNLI lifeboats, including a large number of women and children. Home Office figures report 605 arrivals via small boats on Wednesday alone.
Meanwhile, the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels fell by 19% to 30,657, as more individuals are moved into longer-term accommodation. Over the past year, more than 72,000 asylum seekers were accommodated in longer-term housing, including houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), rather than hotels.
The government has reaffirmed its plan to close all asylum hotels by 2029, the end of this Parliament, with a transition to larger facilities such as military sites.
Home Office statistics also show a 3% increase in sponsored study visas for foreign students, rising to 426,471, though this remains 35% below the peak in the year ending June 2023. The top three nationalities receiving study visas were Indian, Chinese, and Pakistani.
Visas issued to dependants of students decreased by 10% to 19,647, reflecting policy changes limiting students’ ability to bring family members.
Work-related visas also saw a decline. A total of 261,112 people, including applicants and dependants, were granted work visas in the past year, almost 30% fewer than the previous year’s figure of 368,139.
The backlog of asylum claims awaiting decisions dropped to 64,426, the lowest since 2020. Of the 108,000 applications processed, 42% were granted refugee or protection status, while 58% were refused. Refused applicants have the right to appeal.
There were 9,914 enforced returns of individuals without the legal right to remain in the UK, a 21% increase from the previous year. Factors driving the increase include asylum-related returns, international agreements, schemes for removing foreign offenders, and efforts to return small boat arrivals. Albanian nationals have consistently been the most common group for enforced returns over the last five years.
Lawsentis perspective: For individuals navigating the UK asylum system, expert guidance is crucial. Lawsentis provides regulated UK-based immigration support, helping applicants understand eligibility, prepare documentation, and respond to refusals or appeals effectively. Professional advice can significantly improve outcomes in an increasingly complex asylum landscape.