The number of asylum seekers waiting in limbo as they contest a denied asylum application has surged by nearly 500% over two years, creating additional financial strain on taxpayers. An analysis by the Refugee Council reveals this trend, indicating that the backlog of asylum appeals in the tribunal courts rose from 7,133 at the start of 2023 to 41,987 at the end of 2024. During the last quarter of 2024, there were 12,183 appeals filed after the Labour government resumed asylum decision-making processes upon taking office. The year-on-year increase in asylum application appeals at the first-tier tribunal is 71%. This situation follows a rise in the refusal of asylum claims, which has been attributed to stricter assessment criteria introduced by the previous Conservative government. Furthermore, the recruitment of new caseworkers and the reduction of initial interview time by the former Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, in his bid to clear asylum claims, have led to an increase in errors and complications, as highlighted by asylum decision-makers. The scarcity of immigration lawyers is also contributing to delays, as many cases get adjourned or individuals choose self-representation, which typically results in significantly longer hearing times. As of the end of 2024, the Home Office accommodated 38,079 people in hotels, which, if not addressed, could cost nearly £1.5bn annually. The Refugee Council’s Enver Solomon emphasizes the need for precise initial decision-making to prevent the creation of a new backlog elsewhere in the system, noting that resolving asylum cases efficiently could reduce costs and help individuals move on with their lives. A Home Office spokesperson defended the current approach, asserting that the previous asylum system was inadequate and that efforts to restart processing and reduce the system’s backlog would save the taxpayer approximately £4 billion over the next two years, while underlining the ongoing commitment to end the practice of housing asylum seekers in hotels in the future.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/16/number-uk-asylum-seekers-awaiting-appeals-up-two-years