Pakistan has emerged as the leading country of origin for asylum seekers in the UK, with over 11,000 applications filed in 2024, according to figures cited by The Telegraph.

Out of roughly 40,000 political asylum requests submitted last year, Pakistan accounts for the largest share, placing it at the top among applicants from 175 countries.

The number of applications submitted by Pakistani citizens has seemingly surged almost five times since 2022.

All candidates are thought to have arrived in the UK via legitimate means, such as visitor, employment, and student visas, before applying for asylum within the nation’s immigration framework.

The surge has reignited debate over the UK’s visa and border management systems, with critics arguing that loopholes allow people to switch from temporary visas to asylum claims after entering the country.

UK Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called the trend a “complete failure” of current immigration controls.

He said the visa system was being “misused” and urged the government to introduce “firm and decisive measures” to prevent exploitation.

Philp warned that rising asylum numbers could place additional strain on the UK’s already pressured immigration services.

Government representatives have not made any public statements regarding the statistics, but this topic is anticipated to be a focal point in the current conversations surrounding migration policy.

Experts note that the rise in numbers highlights broader regional and economic difficulties, along with the belief that the UK’s asylum system offers a feasible path to permanent residency.