The new UK rules would make refugee status temporary, lasting 30 months not five years, and would force refugees to return home once their countries are judged safe. Shabana Mahmood wants to revoke the legal duty to protect refugees from destitution, and has proposed seizing assets such as jewellery from asylum seekers.

But is this an over-reaction? Data from the Oxford University Migration Observatory has consistently shown that the UK has far fewer asylum seekers than other European countries.The UK ranked fifth in 2024 for the number of asylum seekers, with 156 per 100,000 of population, compared to the EU average of 203. Spain, for example, has 340 asylum applicants per 100.000 people. In 2024, the UK rejected almost 53 percent of asylum applications, compared with a rejection rate of 48 percent in Europe.

European asylum seeker policies.

It appears that the UK is trying to emulate the savage Danish approach, although these strict policies have not helped the Danish government in recent polling.

  • DENMARK receives a relatively low number of applications, averaging at 46 per 100,000 since 2017.
  • Policies include short-term residence permits for refugees, confiscating valuables, tighter family reunification rules, and ‘departure centres’ for those do not cooperate in leaving.
  • It explored sending asylum seekers to third countries, including Rwanda.
  • GERMANY.
  • Germany consistently receives the most asylum seekers. In 2023, around 329,040 applied, declining to 229,700 in 2024.
  • Asylum seekers are given a temporary residence permit, providing various benefits, integration allowance and German language courses.
  • Refused applicants who can’t return home for legal or humanitarian reasons may be granted suspension of deportation.
  • Applications have nearly trebled since 2021, reaching a record 164,000 in 2024, the second most in Europe.
  • SPAIN.
  • In 2024, Spain granted 57 per cent of asylum applications, well above the EU average.
    • It offers a reception and integration support programme lasting 18 months, and with asylum seekers allowed to work six months after their application was lodged.
    • ITALY.
    • In 2024, Italy granted asylum to just 35.9 per cent of its 151,000 applicants. In 2024, it received the third must applications.
    • Successful applicants are granted a five year permit, after which they can apply for a long-term EU residence permit or Italian citizenship.

    Asylum seekers can look for a job just 30 days after making their application

  • FRANCE
  • For four of the past seven years, France has had the second most applications in Europe, peaking at 145,000 in 2023. In 2024, it dropped to fourth with 130,800.
  • Applicants can work after six months if no decision has been made on the application. If approved, they are entitled to a variety of benefits, and can also bring close family to France.
  • Refugee status provides a 10-year resident permit, after which they can apply for permanent residency or citizenship, subject to integration requirements.
  • https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/uk-asylum-reforms-shabana-mahmood-europe-statistics-b2869265.html