Asylum appeal backlog at record high, new figures show
Summary
The backlog of asylum appeal cases in the UK has reached a record high, with nearly 87,500 new appeals filed by the end of March 2026. Although the government has reduced the number of asylum cases waiting for an initial decision, the rise in appeals means the overall number of unresolved cases remains high.Key Facts
- Nearly 87,500 asylum appeals were lodged by March 2026, a 70% increase from the previous year.
- The number of asylum cases waiting for a first decision dropped from 85,839 in June 2024 to 35,744 by March 2026.
- The total backlog of asylum cases, including appeals, was 123,194 in March 2026, higher than the 119,066 cases in June 2024.
- The backlog declined from a peak of 141,647 in June 2023 under the previous Conservative government.
- The government is working to speed up the appeals process and ensure quick removal of those not allowed to stay.
- Labour plans to introduce a new appeals system where independent adjudicators, not judges, will hear appeals.
- Official returns of people from the UK stood at 67,188 between July 2024 and March 2026, mostly voluntary rather than enforced deportations.
- An enforced deportation is a government action to remove people, usually criminals or those a public threat, while voluntary returns happen without forced removal.
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