At least 270 migrants have died in the UK while awaiting decisions on their asylum applications since 2015, according to Home Office data obtained via a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Sky News.
The data shows that 171 of those who died were male, and three were either teenagers or children.
Migration charities have highlighted the tragic nature of these deaths, stressing that many of the deceased had “fled horrors such as war” and endured perilous journeys to seek refuge in the UK.
Limited Reporting Raises Concerns
The figures are based on cases where the Home Office was notified of a death, suggesting the actual number could be higher.
Care4Calais, a charity supporting asylum seekers, criticised the delays in the asylum process.
“These figures underline the devastating toll of waiting for the government to decide people’s futures. It’s imperative that the decision-making process is not only expedited but also ensures high-quality outcomes that offer genuine protection,” the organisation said.
Migrant Help, another UK-based charity, added: “Each loss of life during the asylum process is a heartbreaking tragedy. These individuals, who often survive unimaginable trauma, deserve safety and support while their claims are processed.”
The data covers deaths reported up to the end of June 2024, aligning with the latest immigration statistics available at the time of the FOI request.
Rising Death Toll in the English Channel
In a related revelation, Sky News uncovered that the number of migrant deaths in the English Channel in 2024 matches the total recorded over the previous four years combined.
Up to 8 November 2024, 67 individuals had lost their lives attempting the crossing.
Between 2020 and 2023, 56 migrants died, with the highest number—34—occurring in 2021. In comparison, 2022 saw four fatalities, while 12 were reported in 2023. Most deaths occurred on the French side of the Channel, meaning these figures are not part of UK government data.
Dangerous Routes and Hostile Policies
Refugee Action, a charity advocating for migrants, blamed “hostile border policies” for forcing individuals to take increasingly perilous routes, such as crossing the English Channel.
“These policies ultimately lead to more deaths,” a spokesperson stated.
Data from Migration Watch, a migration-focused think tank, shows that while 2024 will end with more small boat crossings than in 2023, 2021, and 2020, it is expected to record approximately 10,000 fewer crossings than 2022.
As the UK grapples with a rising death toll among asylum seekers, charities are calling for urgent reforms to ensure safer and more humane migration policies.
