Asylum applications in the European Union fell by around 12% in 2024, according to a new report by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). Germany, traditionally one of the primary destinations for asylum seekers, experienced a significant decrease of 30% in applications compared to 2023.
Just over one million initial applications were recorded last year by the Malta-based agency across the 27 EU member nations, along with Norway and Switzerland. This represents a decline from the 1.14 million applications filed in 2023.
The EUAA report highlights that the majority of asylum seekers in the EU originate from Syria (15%), Afghanistan (8.7%), Venezuela (7.3%), and Türkiye (5.5%). The decrease in applications has significant implications for migrants from these regions, many of whom are fleeing conflict and economic instability.
In Germany, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) reported 235,925 initial applications in 2024, with most applicants coming from Syria, Afghanistan, and Türkiye. Despite the decrease, Germany remains a key destination for asylum seekers from Asia, reflecting ongoing migration trends from the region.
Spain ranked second among European countries with the most asylum applications, receiving 165,398 applicants, followed by France with 158,512, and Italy with 154,824. In contrast, Hungary received only 29 new asylum applications in 2024, amid ongoing tensions between Brussels and Budapest over EU asylum laws.
The reduction in asylum applications may impact various sectors, including labor markets and social services in European countries. For migrants from Asia seeking refuge and opportunities in Europe, these changes could alter migration routes and strategies.
Migration remains a significant political issue in Europe. In Germany, the upcoming elections in February have seen the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party gaining ground with its anti-immigrant rhetoric. The changing landscape of asylum applications could influence electoral outcomes and policies affecting migrants from Asia and other regions.
The decrease in asylum applications also raises questions about the factors contributing to this trend. Possible reasons may include stricter border controls, changes in EU migration policies, or shifts in global migration patterns. For Asian countries with significant numbers of citizens seeking asylum in Europe, understanding these dynamics is crucial.
As the European Union adjusts to these changes, the impact on Asian migrants and their home countries will continue to be a topic of importance. Monitoring these trends provides valuable insights for policymakers, business professionals, academics, and communities connected to the Asian diaspora.
Reference(s):
EU asylum applications fall in 2024, with Germany seeing 30% drop
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