Asylum Backlog Rises by 68%

New figures released by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) reveal that the UK’s asylum backlog has risen by 68% year-on-year, reaching 151,767 cases by March 2025 and, of those cases, 87,450 relate to asylum appeals, representing a 72% increase compared with the previous year.

The statistics have prompted renewed debate about the effectiveness of the UK’s asylum system and whether recent efforts to accelerate decision-making are simply transferring delays from the Home Office to the courts and tribunals. The Government has prioritised reducing the number of outstanding asylum claims awaiting an initial decision. However, critics argue that while more decisions are being made, a growing number of applicants are challenging those decisions through the appeals process, placing significant strain on the immigration tribunal system.

Andre Minnaar, Head of Immigration at Sydney Mitchell, said: “These figures highlight a significant challenge for the UK’s asylum and immigration system. While reducing the backlog of initial asylum decisions is an important objective, the latest data suggests that pressure may simply be moving further along the process into the appeals system.

“The increase in asylum appeals also raises important questions about the quality and consistency of initial decision-making. If a high proportion of cases are progressing to appeal, it is essential to understand whether decisions are being made correctly at the earliest stage and whether applicants have sufficient confidence in the process.

“We have asylum clients in the appeal system waiting far in excess of 12 months, which in turn severely affects their mental health,  and the court’s are only prepared to expedite the application in the most severe cases. Most just have to wait.

“For individuals navigating the UK’s complex immigration and asylum framework, access to experienced legal advice remains crucial in ensuring that applications and appeals are prepared effectively and presented at the earliest opportunity.”