Refugee facts and statistics

Looking for facts and statistics about refugees and asylum seekers? Millions of people are displaced worldwide due to conflict, violence, and persecution. At the same time, a lack of safe pathways forces many people to make dangerous journeys just to find safety.

Here are 12 facts about refugees and asylum seekers around the world and 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, Turkey is currently the single biggest host country for refugees (UNHCR). Most refugees living in Turkey 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

52% of all refugees in the world came from just three countries by the end of 2023: Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.

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 November 2022 there were 231,597 refugees in the UK. That means refugees make up less than half a percent 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, husband Mazen and son Zain outside their home in Brighton.

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.

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 desperate 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.

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.