The number of asylum seekers temporarily housed in hotels in the United Kingdom has reached its lowest level in 18 months, according to statistics released by the Home Office on Thursday. As of December 2025, there were 30,657 individuals staying in hotel accommodation while awaiting decisions on their asylum claims. This figure represents a significant decline compared to previous months and has been highlighted by the government as a sign that recent policy changes are yielding results.
The government claims that the tightening of the asylum system, particularly under the Labour Party, is effective, yet this has raised concerns among refugee advocacy groups. Organizations such as Asylum Matters warn that the current policies may deter individuals fleeing conflict and oppressive regimes from seeking refuge in the UK.
Looking at the broader context, the number of asylum seekers in hotels peaked at 56,018 at the end of September 2023 during the tenure of the previous Conservative government. By the end of June 2024, just prior to the general election, that number had dropped to 29,561, indicating a substantial shift in the government’s approach to asylum accommodation.
Trends in Asylum Applications and Grant Rates
The latest data shows a 15% reduction in hotel accommodations from the previous quarter, which recorded 36,273 asylum seekers in hotels at the end of September. Overall, 100,625 people applied for asylum in the UK in 2025, reflecting a 4% decrease compared to 2024. Conversely, the number of individuals arriving in the UK via small boats rose by 13% year-on-year, totaling 45,774 arrivals. Notably, those arriving by small boat represented 41% of all asylum claims, with Eritrean nationals being the most frequently represented group.
In response to the data, Alex Norris, the Minister for Border Security, stated, “Genuine refugees are receiving the protection they need, while those with false claims are being identified and returned to their home country.” He emphasized that the reduction in taxpayer-funded asylum accommodation—now 45% lower than its peak under the last government—demonstrates the effectiveness of the current policies.
The asylum grant rate also reflects a downward trend, falling to 42% for the year ending in December 2025. This figure is notably lower than the 47% grant rate from 2024 and substantially below the peak rate of 77% in 2022.
Concerns Over Policy Impact
Critics of the government’s approach, including Louise Calvey, the director of Asylum Matters, argue that a decrease in asylum applications should not be viewed positively. Calvey remarked, “Fewer people moving to this country is nothing to celebrate or strive for. People who come here to work and raise their families in peace make us all richer, both economically and culturally.” She warns that the government’s stringent policies could ultimately lead to negative economic and cultural repercussions for the UK.
As the conversation around asylum seekers continues to evolve, the impact of current policies on both the individuals seeking refuge and the broader society remains a critical point of discussion. The contrast between government statistics and the experiences of those affected highlights the complexities of managing asylum processes in the UK.
