Overall, 2024 saw the highest number of asylum applications to the UK, with 108,138 people, a 378 per cent rise from 2010
The UK Home Office received 22,619 asylum applications from Nigerian nationals between 2010 and 2024, ranking Nigeria 11th among source countries, according to newly released data. The figures reveal a sharp increase, with 2,841 Nigerians applying in 2024—nearly double the 1,462 claims in 2023. Overall, UK asylum applications surged by 378% since 2010, with 108,138 filings in 2024 alone.
Iran led with 75,737 applications, followed by Pakistan (57,621) and Afghanistan (54,363). Analysts attribute the spikes to political repression, economic crises, and conflict. *”Post-election turmoil and blasphemy prosecutions in Pakistan have driven many to seek refuge,”* experts noted. Similarly, Afghanistan’s numbers reflect fallout from the Taliban’s 2022 takeover.
Nigeria’s total surpassed Sri Lanka (22,059) but trailed Sudan (30,897) and India (30,179). The lowest contributors included Brazil, Kuwait, and Yemen, each with fewer than 6,500 claims. The data underscores shifting global migration trends amid rising instability.