130-page report covers asylum law, policy and practice, including significant developments in the last year
The latest annual update of the Asylum Information Database's (AIDA) report on the UK asylum system has been published today. AIDA, coordinated by the European Council on Refugees and Exiles, provides detailed, country-by-country analysis of asylum systems across Europe.
The 130-page report offers a comprehensive overview of UK asylum law, policy and practice. You can download it here.
The report covers asylum procedure, including access to the system, registration and decision-making processes; reception conditions such as housing, healthcare and access to work; the detention of asylum seekers; and the rights attached to international protection, including residence, family reunification and social welfare.
This year's update was prepared by Sonia Lenegan, an independent expert and the former editor of Free Movement, and was edited by ECRE. It builds on earlier reports and updates produced by contributors including Gina Clayton and researchers from the Refugee Council. The information is based on desk research and consultation with stakeholders, and is up to date as of 31 December 2025 unless otherwise stated.
The report includes an overview of key developments since the previous update in April 2025. It notes that the number of people crossing the Channel to reach the UK increased in 2025, despite a returns agreement with France that has so far involved relatively small numbers of transfers in both directions.
Asylum applications rose to over 100,000 in 2025, while the recognition rate at first instance continued to fall. Although the number of pending initial decisions dropped significantly, the report highlights a sharp increase in the number of appeals, indicating that the backlog has shifted into the tribunal system.
The update also points to concerns about the quality of Home Office decision-making, with a significant proportion of refusals not upheld on appeal. A report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees identified shortcomings in the asylum interview process.
On legislation, the report notes that the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 repealed the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024 and parts of the Illegal Migration Act 2023. It also highlights new policy measures, including changes to the length of leave granted upon receiving refugee status and the introduction of a 'visa brake' to reduce asylum claims from nationals of four countries.
In relation to reception conditions, the report records a reduction in the use of hotels to accommodate asylum seekers, alongside the continued use and expansion of large-scale accommodation sites. It also notes ongoing far-right protests outside some asylum hotels.
The number of people held in immigration detention increased again in 2025, reaching 22,996, continuing an upward trend in recent years.
An annex to the report examines developments in visa schemes for people from Ukraine, including eligibility, rights and recent changes to the duration of leave and extension routes. You can download the 16-page annex here.