the latest figure of 86,000 remains considerably higher
The number of people claiming asylum in the UK has fallen by 21% in the year to June 2026, according to new government figures.
Around 86,000 people claimed asylum during the 12 months, although the figure remains above typical levels recorded before 2021.
Small boat arrivals across the English Channel have also fallen compared with the previous year.
Around 33,000 people arrived in the UK by small boat in the year to June. This represents a 23% decrease compared with the previous year.
The figures provide an overview of how migration patterns have changed as the government continues introducing measures aimed at reducing irregular migration.
The 21% reduction in asylum claims marks a significant fall compared with the previous year.
However, the latest figure of 86,000 remains considerably higher than the levels usually recorded before 2021.
Asylum claims increased sharply after 2021, with the UK experiencing higher numbers of people seeking international protection.
The government continues to face pressure to reduce the asylum backlog and speed up decisions on outstanding applications.
The government has made tackling small boat crossings a key part of its immigration policies.
The number of asylum seekers being housed in hotels has also fallen significantly.
Around 16,000 asylum seekers were staying in hotels in June 2026, a 50% decrease compared with the same period a year earlier.
The use of hotels to accommodate asylum seekers has been a major political issue in recent years.
Reducing hotel accommodation has been presented as part of efforts to lower the cost of the asylum system.
The latest figures also show a fall in visas granted for work, study and family routes.
The decline follows tighter immigration rules introduced during the final months of the Conservative government.
Those changes included restrictions designed to reduce migration through several legal routes.
The Labour government has continued to face questions over the overall level of immigration.
The figures indicate that changes to the immigration system are affecting both legal and irregular migration routes.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the latest figures showed progress, but warned that more action was needed.
She said the government was “not complacent” and that “there is more we must do”.
Immigration remains a major political issue across the UK.
The government is under pressure to reduce irregular migration while managing legal migration routes.
The latest figures show falls across several areas, including asylum claims, small boat arrivals and visa grants.
However, asylum claims remain above typical pre-2021 levels.
The government is expected to face continued scrutiny over its immigration policies and efforts to reduce migration.
