The True Post (Web News) Political asylum is a legal right granted to a person when they cannot safely remain in their own country due to persecution, violence, or danger to their life.
The purpose of asylum is to provide protection to people who are at risk in their country of origin because of their beliefs, race, religion, nationality, political opinions or affiliation with a particular social group. Citizens of various countries have also sought political asylum in the UK. The largest number of them are Pakistanis. According to the British Home Office, the number of Pakistanis who sought political asylum last year was 11,048 and a total of 109,343 people applied for political asylum in the year ending March 2025. According to the British Home Office, Pakistanis were the third largest group of asylum seekers in 2023-24. In addition, the proportion of those who crossed the sea in small boats and sought political asylum in the UK was 33%. According to the British Home Office, Afghans were the second largest group of asylum seekers with 8,069 in the year ending March.
The process of obtaining political asylum in the UK is a legal procedure that provides protection to individuals who cannot remain safe in their own country due to persecution, violence or danger to life. The number of asylum applications here reached a record level in 2024, which shows the importance and complexity of the process.
How to get asylum in the UK?
1 Application
If you arrive in the UK, you need to immediately or quickly state that you want asylum. You can do this at the airport, port or any border crossing. If you are already in the UK, you need to call the Asylum Intake Unit and make an appointment. After the application, you have an interview in which your basic information is taken. ;
2. Providing evidence
After applying, you have to provide evidence, such as documents, photographs or witnesses. After this, there is a detailed interview in which you are asked questions about your story and the risks.
The authorities review your case and make a decision. If your application is approved, you are granted asylum, otherwise you may be ordered to leave the country.
The UK is home to the largest number of asylum seekers from Pakistan, with 10,542 people applying, followed by Afghanistan with 8,508 applications, Iran with 8,099 applications, Bangladesh with 5,259 applications and Syria with 5,000 applications.
Financial support and accommodation
While applying for asylum, you are given £7 per day to cover your basic needs. If you do not have accommodation, the government provides you with temporary accommodation. By the end of 2024, 38,079 refugees were living in hotels.
Reasons for seeking political asylum
Political views:
If someone is at risk of imprisonment, torture or death for expressing their views or criticising the government.
Religion:
If their life or freedom is at risk because of their belief or belief in a religion. Racial discrimination: If they are persecuted because they are from a particular ethnic group.
Gender or gender identity:
For example, LGBTQ+ people face persecution or punishment in some countries.
War or civil war:
If there is a war in the country and the government or armed groups target people. Social groups: Such as journalists, human rights activists, or people belonging to specific tribes and communities.
