The European Union continues to be a major destination for asylum seekers, with over one million applications filed in 2024. While this marks the third consecutive year breaching the million mark, there’s been an 11% drop compared to 2023. The EU’s recent asylum report sheds light on the evolving trends, highlighting key facts about who is seeking protection, where they’re coming from, and how the EU is responding. Here are six essential takeaways from the 2024 report:
1. Top Countries of Origin: A Global Snapshot
The EU+ (EU countries, Norway, and Switzerland) saw asylum applications from a diverse range of countries. Syrians topped the list with 150,766 applications, followed by Afghans (87,382) and Venezuelans (73,817). Other notable countries of origin included Turkey, Colombia, Bangladesh, and Ukraine. Germany, Spain, and Italy were the primary destinations for these applicants.
2. Decline in Applications from Syria, Afghanistan, and Turkey
While Syrians remained the largest group seeking asylum, their applications dropped by 17% compared to 2023. Similarly, Afghan applications fell by 24%, and Turkish applications plummeted by nearly 50%. These declines reflect shifting geopolitical dynamics and changes in EU asylum processing policies.
3. Rising Applications from Mali and Senegal
In contrast, asylum applications from Mali and Senegal surged in 2024. Malian nationals filed over 17,000 claims, more than double the previous year, while Senegalese applications also doubled to 14,000. Many of these applicants arrived via the Canary Islands, highlighting the Atlantic route as a major migratory path.
4. Germany Leads in Applications, but Cyprus and Greece Top Per Capita
Germany received the highest number of asylum applications (237,314), accounting for 23% of the EU+ total. However, Cyprus and Greece saw the most applications relative to their population sizes, with one application per 138 and 141 residents, respectively.
5. Recognition Rates Vary Widely by Nationality
Overall, 40% of asylum seekers were granted protection in 2024. However, recognition rates varied significantly: Syrians had a 90% approval rate, Afghans 63%, and Turks just 17%. These disparities reflect the differing circumstances and legal frameworks applied to each nationality.
6. Spain Sees High Applications from Visa-Free Countries
Spain received a significant number of applications from nationals of visa-free countries, particularly Venezuela and Colombia. This has prompted the EU to review its visa-free travel policies to
address irregular migration.