By 2024, the number of asylum applications in Britain had seen a significant increase, with an estimated more than 108,000 applications received, an increase of 28% compared to the previous year. According to OECD statistics, this is the highest figure that has been published since the beginning of the registers in 1979. Meanwhile, countries such as Germany and France have successfully reduced their number of asylum applications, while Britain has done the exact opposite.
After challenges with Rwanda’s deportation plans and the failure of a new agreement with France, the number of people entering illegally through the Channel has dramatically risen to 44,000. The majority of asylum seekers come from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran who seek refuge for a variety of reasons, such as war situations or political repression. The British government plans to accommodate around 900 male refugees at the Cameron Barracks in Inverness and the Crowborough Boot Camp in East Sussex. These measures are worrying for many local residents, as they fear that schools, hospitals and other essential services, which are already overburdened, will not be able to handle the increased load. Such decisions can affect not only the lives of refugees, but also local communities. Soldiers living in the area around the barracks have also expressed their concerns, as many soldiers preparing for current or future deployments leave their families at home, which can cause tension in the immediate environment. Plans for asylum seekers can have an impact not only on public services, but also on social dynamics, which have already been in a delicate balance.
It is interesting to note that the directives dealing with asylum seekers differ in many cases from one European country to another. France, for example, has kept migrants in tents, while Britain would need other solutions. Some say that temporarily housing asylum seekers in tents until they are deported could help alleviate the concerns of the local population. At the same time, women and children are at the greatest risk and it is important to take them into account when making future decisions, as they are among the most vulnerable groups.
Overall, asylum issues are becoming increasingly complex in Britain and other European countries, and future measures deserve more attention to protect the interests of local communities. However, in addition to the challenges, the rights and needs of refugees must also be taken into account.
Translated and edited by Alex Kada