ISLAMABAD: Pakistanis have become the largest group of asylum seekers in the United Kingdom, according to new figures released by the British Home Office.
In the year ending March 2025, a total of 11,048 Pakistanis applied for asylum in the UK. This is the highest number among all nationalities. Last year, Pakistan was in third place, but has now moved to the top. Experts say this rise may be due to political and economic problems in the country.
Overall, the UK received 109,343 asylum applications during this period. Afghans were second on the list, with 8,069 applications.
The report also said that about 33 percent of the asylum seekers reached the UK by crossing the English Channel in small boats. These risky journeys are often organized by human smuggling gangs.
In response, the UK government plans to deport over 14,000 migrants, including many Pakistanis, by the end of 2025. New laws have also been introduced to control illegal migration. These include checking the phones of migrants to catch smugglers.
— ALSO READ —
Lahore High Court orders car wash stations to recycle water across Punjab
Tougher visa rules have made it harder for people to move legally to the UK. As a result, more people are applying for asylum. The UK is also working to clear a large number of pending asylum cases.
