27 Mar UK Asylum System 2024/25 Outlook
UK Asylum System 2024/25 Outlook
By Arona St James Solicitors
The UK’s asylum system remains in crisis, plagued by a growing backlog, shifting policies, and an ineffective inadmissibility process. At Arona St James Solicitors, we continue to advocate for a fairer and more efficient system while assisting clients caught in legal limbo..

The Current State of the UK Asylum Backlog
As of December 2024, 90,686 asylum applications were awaiting an initial decision—a 6% increase since the previous quarter. While this is lower than the peak of 134,046 cases in June 2023, it remains significantly higher than pre-2018 levels.
Despite government pledges to reduce the backlog, systemic delays mean thousands remain in limbo, with 224,742 cases still in the asylum system overall. The inefficiencies and legal uncertainties create immense hardship for those seeking protection.
The Failure of the Inadmissibility Process
The inadmissibility rules, introduced in January 2021, were designed to prevent individuals from claiming asylum in the UK if they had passed through a “safe third country.” However, implementation has been largely ineffective.
- Between January 2021 and September 2023, the Home Office identified 69,645 individuals for inadmissibility consideration—yet only 83 asylum claims were officially deemed inadmissible.
- Under the Illegal Migration Act 2023, all asylum claims from individuals arriving irregularly after July 20, 2023, are supposed to be automatically inadmissible.
- However, as of December 28, 2023, the number of cases officially deemed inadmissible under the Act remains zero.
The primary reason? The mandatory removal provisions of the Act have not been implemented. In practice, the government has no viable means to remove asylum seekers to “safe” third countries, especially after the collapse of the controversial Rwanda deportation scheme in November 2023.
Is the Illegal Migration Act 2023 a Draconian Shift?
The Illegal Migration Act 2023 represents one of the most extreme legislative shifts in UK asylum policy. Below are its key provisions compared to the previous Nationality and Borders Act 2022:
Key Concerns
- The Act effectively bans asylum claims for those arriving irregularly, regardless of their need for protection.
- Detention without judicial oversight for up to 28 days raises significant human rights concerns.
- A permanent bar on settlement and citizenship for irregular entrants strips individuals of long-term security.
- The lack of safe legal routes means that those fleeing persecution have no viable way to seek asylum in the UK.
Time For A New Asylum System?
Recognising the failures of the current system, the government has begun trialling a new asylum process aimed at reducing the backlog and improving efficiency. While details remain limited, the key features are expected to include:
- Accelerated processing for certain nationalities with high asylum grant rates.
- Stronger case management systems to reduce delays and avoid unnecessary appeals. Solicitors need access to be able to update client information, download case files, and update evidence pre-decision.
- Legal aid reforms to ensure more asylum seekers receive competent representation.
- A potential pilot program for early decision-making on humanitarian visas, allowing applicants to avoid dangerous journeys.
At Arona St James Solicitors, we are keen to engage with this new system and hope to take part in the trial process. If implemented effectively, it could mark a shift towards a more functional and humane asylum process—though concerns remain about fairness and transparency.
What Next for the UK’s Asylum System?
The new Labour government, elected in July 2024, has confirmed that it will not proceed with the Rwanda plan—a move welcomed by human rights organisations. However, the broader policies of the Illegal Migration Act remain in force, leaving thousands of asylum seekers in a state of uncertainty.
At Arona St James Solicitors, we continue to monitor legal developments and advocate for fairer, more humane asylum policies. If you need legal advice or assistance with an asylum claim, get in touch with our team today.
If you need help, we are happy to assist and support you through this process.
Please get in touch with us on 0208 175 5000 or email hello@aronastjames.co.uk


