A record surge in asylum seekers claiming to be gay has seen numbers nearly triple in just one year, according to official figures revealed.
In 2023, some 2,133 people secured UK residency by demonstrating that returning to their homeland would be inhumane due to their sexuality, compared to 762 in 2022.
The dramatic increase has partly been attributed to a backlog in applications created by the pandemic.
However, sceptics argue that some individuals may be attempting to exploit the system.
Eight countries saw all asylum claims based on sexuality approved
PA
The Home Office has emphasised that their processes include “robust framework of safeguards and quality checks” to ensure claims are properly considered and protection is granted to those genuinely in need.
Eight countries saw all asylum claims based on sexuality approved, with a 100 per cent success rate for applicants from Afghanistan, El Salvador, Syria, Eritrea, Myanmar, Libya, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Yemen.
Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nigeria recorded the highest numbers of successful applicants overall.
In contrast, Albania saw the lowest approval rate, with less than 10 per cent of applications being successful.
These figures reflect the varying levels of persecution faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in different nations, as assessed by UK immigration authorities.
The success rates demonstrate a clear pattern in how sexuality-based asylum claims are evaluated, with certain countries consistently deemed unsafe for LGBTQ+ individuals to return to.
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In 2023, some 2,133 people secured UK residency by demonstrating that returning to their homeland would be inhumane due to their sexuality, compared to 762 in 2022
PA
Under the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR), individuals who face persecution due to their sexual orientation can claim asylum in the UK.
This legal framework provides a pathway for LGBTQ+ individuals to seek protection when they can demonstrate that returning to their home country would put them at risk.
The system is designed to protect vulnerable individuals from countries where their sexuality could lead to discrimination, persecution or worse.
The Home Office has stated: “It is important we clear through the asylum backlog and provide protection to individuals fleeing persecution.”
Officials emphasise that decisions are made through a comprehensive evaluation process to ensure protection is granted to those who genuinely require it.
Under the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR), individuals who face persecution due to their sexual orientation can claim asylum in the UK
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The significant increase in claims has prompted discussions about the balance between providing necessary protection and maintaining system integrity.
The surge in sexuality-based asylum claims comes amid broader migration challenges facing the UK government.
More than 16,000 migrants have arrived in the UK since Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister, according to Home Office figures.
The total number of migrants arriving this year has reached 32,691, marking a 22 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
However, this remains 18 per cent lower than the figures recorded by November 2022, when 39,929 arrivals were documented.
