Asylum applications fall sharply during lockdown

The number of applications for asylum in the UK has plunged during the Covid-19 pandemics restrictions in the UK.

In the first four weeks of the UK lockdown, 800 applications were lodged, a fall of 69% from the 2,500 made in the preceding four weeks. The number of applications granted or rejected also fell as interviews with applicants and most decision-making was stopped.

There were 300 initial decisions made in the first four weeks of the lockdown, around a sixth of the number before the emergency measures. In addition, no refugees have been resettled in the UK since March 12, according to the one-off Home Office report on the impact of the pandemic on immigration.

Arrivals at airports have fallen by 99% compared with a year ago, arrivals by sea are 97% lower and international rail arrivals are down by 98%. There have been reports of undocumented migrants arriving in small boats across the Channel.

Figures provided to MPs show 463 people were intercepted while attempting the crossing in January, February and March.

Figures for April are yet to be released. The Home Office report said: “Asylum applications, and initial decisions have both fallen sharply since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and the beginning of restrictions in the UK. The UK has continued to accept asylum applications throughout the pandemic. However, restrictions in the UK, across Europe and the rest of the world are likely to have limited the ability of some migrants who may have gone on to claim asylum in the UK from doing so.”

It said decision-making on asylum applications had now resumed following the implementation of measures to allow for safe working, although face-toface interviews had not.