At least 270 migrants have died in the UK while waiting for decisions on their asylum applications since 2015, according to Home Office data. Released through a Freedom of Information request, the figures reveal that 171 of those who died were men, including three children or teenagers.
Charities like Care4Calais and Migrant Help have expressed concern over the prolonged waiting times for asylum decisions. Many of these individuals had escaped war and trauma, enduring perilous journeys to reach safety in the UK. A spokesperson from Care4Calais emphasized the need for faster, high-quality decisions to ensure adequate protection for asylum seekers.
The reported deaths only include cases where the Home Office was officially notified, suggesting the actual number could be higher. Migrant Help described the loss of life during the asylum process as a “devastating tragedy” and called for better support for those awaiting decisions.
The data, which runs until June 2024, coincides with a rise in deaths in the English Channel. Sky News revealed that 67 migrants have died in Channel crossings this year alone—matching the total for the previous four years combined. The majority of these deaths occurred on the French side of the Channel.
Charities like Refugee Action blame “hostile border policies” for forcing migrants to take increasingly dangerous routes, leading to more fatalities. Despite government efforts to target smuggling gangs, over 20,000 migrants have crossed the Channel since Labour’s election win this summer.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently outlined government milestones but omitted immigration, even as small boat crossings and asylum backlogs remain pressing political issues. The Home Office has pledged to address the backlog of asylum claims while extending condolences to the families of those who have died.