The UK government is set to grant refugee status to over 62,000 migrants as it works to clear a significant backlog of asylum claims. The Refugee Council reports that the number of pending asylum applications could reach 118,063 by January. This increase comes as Labour has abandoned its plans to send migrants to Rwanda and has resumed processing asylum requests.
According to the migrant charity’s analysis, based on official data and grant rates from the past year, around 62,801 additional people could be recognized as refugees. This implies that the backlog at the beginning of next year could be 59,000 lower than if no changes had occurred in government policies.
Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, emphasized the importance of an effective asylum system that provides timely and accurate decisions. He stated that such a system should recognize and support those needing protection. “A functioning system is one that quickly and accurately makes decisions about who has a valid reason to be protected in the UK and who doesn’t, and supports refugees to rebuild their lives,” Solomon explained.
The government is focused on resolving the backlog while remaining committed to ending the use of asylum hotels. However, reports suggest that the Home Office may consider reopening previously closed hotels to house migrants. Officials reportedly set monthly targets for asylum decisions to help speed up processing times.
Solomon acknowledged progress in addressing asylum applications but expressed concern over the absence of a clear plan to enhance decision-making rates. He warned that without effective management, another backlog could arise in the future.
Labour, which inherited a strained asylum system, has promised to implement comprehensive reforms to create a fairer and more efficient process. Solomon expressed optimism about these reforms, highlighting the need for continued efforts to ensure timely decisions and to build public confidence in the system.
The Refugee Council’s analysis drew on past grant rates for asylum seekers from various nationalities to estimate how many could be granted refugee status. However, the charity cautioned that changes in decision-making processes could affect the number of approved claims.
There are concerns that the enforcement of border controls and restrictions on certain routes, such as the Channel crossings, may drive migrants to seek other, often riskier, methods to enter the UK. Solomon noted that people smugglers are likely to adapt to enforcement efforts, creating new routes for migrants to reach Britain.
As Labour continues to face challenges with housing asylum seekers and managing public sentiment on the issue, the Home Office has yet to confirm whether it will reopen hotels for migrant accommodation or pursue alternative solutions.