Refugee facts
In an age where misinformation can spread rapidly with terrible consequences, it’s important to learn the facts about people who are fleeing persecution and violence.
Here are 12 key facts about refugees and asylum seekers. First, we cover the facts about refugees around the world, and second, we look at the facts about people seeking safety in the UK.
6 facts about refugees around the world
1. 70% of refugees live in neighbouring countries
Media coverage of refugees focuses on those making long journeys to reach the UK, but most refugees live in places immediately bordering their home country. For example, Jordan hosts 1.3 million refugees from neighbouring Syria.
Artist Muhammad has been living in Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan with his wife and children since 2013. Jordan hosts 1.3 million refugees from neighbouring Syria.
Photo: Ahmad Al-Jarery for the IRC
2. Poor, low, and middle-income countries host 76% of refugees
Poor low and middle-income countries host 76% of refugees. For example, the Islamic Republic of Iran currently hosts 3.8 million refugees, while Türkiye hosts 3.3 million. Most refugees living in Türkiye come from Syria, where an ongoing civil war has now lasted for over 12 years. By contrast the world’s wealthiest countries host the remaining 24%. The United Kingdom hosts just 1% of the total.
3. Over half of refugees come from three countries globally
73% of all refugees originate from just five countries; Afghanistan (6.4 million), Syrian Arab Republic (6.4 million), Venezuela (6.1 million), Ukraine (6.0 million), South Sudan (2.3 million).
4. There is an international agreement to protect refugees
149 countries have agreed to protect refugees under the 1951 Refugee Convention. This agreement was introduced following the events of World War Two, when many people fled persecution and conflict in Europe.
Yanina celebrates graduating the IRC’s orientation course for Ukranian refugees in the UK
Photo: Tetiana Volkogon for the IRC
5. Seeking asylum is a universal human right
The right for refugees to seek asylum in another country is included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights alongside the right to a fair trial and freedom of expression.
6. The world’s largest displacement crisis is happening right now in Sudan and neighbouring countries
More than 8 million people have fled their homes since the conflict started, creating the world’s largest displacement crisis, including for children. Many communities have been displaced multiple times. Sudanese now make up nearly 1 in every 8 Internally displaced people (IDPs) globally. Although we often hear of people fleeing to other countries, more than half of the world’s forcibly displaced population remain inside their country’s borders.
6 facts about refugees in the UK
1. Refugees make up less than half a percent of the overall population
According to UNHCR statistics, as of the end of 2023 the UK had approximately 448,000 refugees. That means refugees make up less than 0.7% of the overall population.
2. The UK is home to just 1% of the refugees who have been forcibly displaced worldwide
In the EU (for the year ending September 2021), Germany had the highest number of asylum applicants, followed by France. When compared with the EU+ for the same period, the UK received the 4th largest number of applicants and 8% of the total asylum applicants across the EU+ and UK. When calculated per head of its population, the UK had the 18th largest intake (UNHCR).
Chadia with her daughter, Nour, her husband Mazen and her son Zain outside their home in Brighton.
Photo: Betty Laura Zapata for the IRC
3. People seeking asylum do not have the right to work in the UK
Asylum seekers waiting for their claim to be processed are not allowed to work in the UK despite 68% of businesses and 81% of the public being in favour of a policy allowing this. People seeking asylum could positively contribute to the economy through consumer spending and paying tax.
It is estimated that the UK economy could gain £333 million per year if the ban were lifted and we know that 94% of asylum seekers want to work.
4. Irregular arrivals - including via small boats - make up a tiny number of overall immigration
In the year ending June 2023, people arriving irregularly - including via small boats - made up less than 5% of overall immigration figures.
And most of these are refugees fleeing war and crises who had no other way of seeking protection in the UK than to make dangerous journeys.
Read more: 7 reasons people risk their lives to cross the Channel in small boats
5. Most people arriving by small boats are given asylum in the UK
More than 90% of people who have arrived in the UK by boat since 2018 claimed asylum, and most have had their asylum claims granted. Without an asylum visa, people fleeing conflict and crisis cannot pre-emptively apply to claim asylum from their home country. As conflicts continue, people will continue to risk their lives as their only option, hoping to find safety and security in a new country.
Immigration statistics released in February 2024 show that Afghans make up the largest nationality of people crossing the Channel. A country from which 98% of asylum applications are granted.
6. There is no safe route to seek asylum in the UK
There is currently no safe way to apply for asylum at all and almost no safe ways to enter the UK to receive protection. That is why the IRC is calling for more safe routes. Providing safe routes for refugees means offering protection and safe ways of reaching the UK so that refugees don’t have to resort to dangerous journeys. Refugee visas, resettlement schemes and family reunion are three pathways to the UK that would qualify as safe routes.
Read more about safe routes here: What are safe routes in the UK? Four common myths explained
What is the International Rescue Committee?
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people affected by humanitarian crises to survive, recover and rebuild their lives. We deliver lasting impact by providing health care, helping children learn, and empowering individuals and communities to become self-reliant, always with a focus on the unique needs of women and girls.
Read more about the International Rescue Committee in the UK
