LONDON: More than 11,000 Pakistani nationals applied for political asylum in the United Kingdom in 2024, making Pakistan the top country of origin among 40,000 total asylum applicants, according to figures cited by international media.
The report reveals that Pakistani applicants entered the UK legally on visit, work, or student visas before seeking asylum. The number marks a five-fold increase since 2022, placing Pakistan at the top among 175 countries whose nationals filed asylum claims.
UK Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized what he called the “misuse” of the UK’s visa and border system, describing it as a complete failure of government oversight. He urged authorities to take strong and decisive action to stop exploitation of the system.
The data comes amid growing debate in Britain over immigration controls and planned reforms to asylum laws.
