A significant number of Pakistanis are seeking refuge abroad, with the UK emerging as the top destination. The trend has raised questions about migration patterns and visa regulations.
According to a recent report, Pakistanis topped the list of political asylum seekers in the UK, surpassing citizens from over 150 countries. Afghanistan followed in second place, with Iran in third.
In the past year alone, around 11,000 Pakistanis submitted Asylum Applications, marking a sharp rise in requests from the country. Most applicants initially entered the UK on valid visas, including student and work permits, before filing for political asylum.
The report highlights that many Pakistani students and workers leveraged their stay in the UK to submit Asylum Applications, reflecting a growing trend among the diaspora.
The British government recently announced major changes to asylum policies, reducing protections for refugees in a move aimed at controlling irregular immigration. Experts describe the changes as the “largest overhaul of asylum policy in modern times.”
Under the new rules, refugee status will be reduced from five years to 30 months and will be regularly reviewed. Asylum holders may be forced to return home once considered safe. Long-term residency could take up to 20 years for some applicants.
Last year, more than 109,343 Asylum Applications were filed in the UK, surpassing previous records. The policy changes are expected to make the country less attractive to irregular migrants while facilitating easier removals.
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The rising number of applications from Pakistan reflects broader concerns about security, economic challenges, and political instability at home. Authorities continue to stress that proper legal channels must be followed for migration and asylum requests.
