With asylum applications in August reaching a new high since 2015/2016 in the EU and Schengen associated states, pressure is mounting on national asylum systems, according to new statistics published on Wednesday 9 November by the EU Asylum Agency (EUAA).
Approximately 84,500 asylum applications were filed in August. Afghans (12,100) and Syrians (11,900) submitted almost 30% more applications, an increase of 16% compared to July.
An increase in applications was also recorded for several nationalities in August, including Turks (4,600), Indians (4,200) and Moroccans (1,900). Bangladeshis (3,300) also filed the largest number of applications since 2015, according to the EUAA.
“As in 2015-2016, the Western Balkans route appeared to play a key role in recent developments”, the Agency adds, with Afghan nationals primarily using this route and detections of Syrians on this route also doubling between April and August 2022.
The war in Ukraine has also resulted in new registrations under the Temporary Protection Directive, with 255,000 registrations in August. Finally, the Agency observed a new record in August in asylum applications from unaccompanied minors, with 4,700 applications, up 28% compared to July.
Link to statistics: https://aeur.eu/f/3z3 (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)