Story perspectives

Asylum Appeals Surge 72% as Backlog Swells

6/12/2026

Summary

Justice Ministry Reports

Ministry of Justice reported 87,450 asylum appeals pending at the end of March 2026, a 72 percent rise from the previous year.
The overall asylum backlog grew to 123,194 cases, up from 119,066 in June 2024.
Average waiting time for an appeal increased to 67 weeks, compared with 54 weeks a year earlier.
Labour pledged to end asylum hotels by the next election.
The government said reforms will shift appeals to independent adjudicators.

Summary

Tribunal Backlog

Appeals lodged fell from 17,822 to 14,748 Jan-Mar 2026, while decisions stayed under 7,000, widening the backlog.
The asylum-appeal grant rate rose to 40%, meaning many will obtain protection after an average three-year wait.
The tribunal now handles over 150,000 cases, including 30,000 human-rights appeals, with only 2,885 decided last quarter.
Deportation and citizenship-deprivation appeals average over two years, with only 46 of 300 pending resolved in the latest quarter.

Summary

Home Office Reinstates

The Home Office reinstated a 42-day notice period in March 2026, urged by IPPR research fellow Amreen Qureshi to give refugees time before leaving accommodation.
The 42-day period follows a 2023 homelessness surge after the Home Office cut the notice from 56 to 28 days.
Home Office research found that a 56-day notice cuts homelessness risk and, according to Refugee Council analysis, prevented about 1,000 refugee families from homelessness.

History

Historical Context

The 2004 Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants) Act withdrew support for failed asylum seekers, removing NHS access for those refusing voluntary deportation and applying across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, sparking debate. By 2026 the Ministry of Justice recorded 87,450 pending appeals, and Labour pledged to end asylum hotels, highlighting the act’s enduring impact.

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Justice Ministry Reports

Ministry of Justice reported 87,450 asylum appeals pending at the end of March 2026, a 72 percent rise from the previous year.
The overall asylum backlog grew to 123,194 cases, up from 119,066 in June 2024.
Average waiting time for an appeal increased to 67 weeks, compared with 54 weeks a year earlier.
Labour pledged to end asylum hotels by the next election.
The government said reforms will shift appeals to independent adjudicators.

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