London: Pakistani nationals have become the largest group seeking asylum in the United Kingdom this year, filing more than 11,000 applications in 2024, according to a report by the Telegraph. The newspaper said Pakistani citizens lodged nearly 40,000 claims last year, placing Pakistan first among 175 countries in asylum submissions.
Officials noted that the number represents a steep surge, rising to nearly five times the total recorded in 2022.
Legal Entry Followed by Asylum Claims
The report highlighted that most applicants entered the UK on legal visas including visit, work and student permits before requesting asylum under existing immigration provisions.
Moreover, the trend has triggered fresh scrutiny of the UK’s border and visa management systems, with critics arguing that administrative loopholes are allowing large numbers of temporary visa holders to shift into the asylum process.
Concerns Over Immigration Controls
The Telegraph said the spike reflects ongoing weaknesses in several aspects of Britain’s immigration enforcement. Analysts warned that gaps in monitoring and oversight have created pathways for people to move from temporary entry to protected status.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described the situation as a “complete failure” of current immigration controls. He claimed the visa regime is being “misused” and urged the government to introduce “tough and decisive measures” to prevent exploitation of the system.
Pressure Mounting on Services
Philp cautioned that the continuing rise in asylum claims could place additional pressure on the UK’s already stretched immigration services. He said failure to act would only deepen existing administrative challenges.
The figures have reignited political debate over the effectiveness of the UK’s immigration framework and the need for reforms to prevent further strain on government agencies.
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