The number of people waiting for an initial decision on their asylum claim has fallen sharply, reaching its lowest level since 2019, according to new Home Office figures.
At the end of June 2026, 40,000 people were awaiting an initial decision. This is 56% lower than at the end of June 2025 and represents the lowest backlog since June 2019. Officials say the reduction reflects a sustained increase in the pace of decision‑making over the past year.
In the 12 months to June 2026, the Home Office processed 93,000 asylum applications. Of these, 38% were granted refugee or protection status and 62% were refused.
Appeals backlog now the main pressure point
Experts say the reduction in the initial backlog is significant, but warn that pressure has shifted elsewhere in the system. Dr Nuni Jorgenson of the University of Oxford’s Migration Observatory says faster decision‑making has reduced reliance on asylum hotels, but created new challenges further down the process.
“The initial backlog is now actually relatively low, and most decisions take a few months. The biggest remaining challenge for the government is now the backlog in the courts”
Dr Nuni Jorgenson of the University of Oxford’s Migration Observatory
Jorgenson added that the government has proposed reforms to the appeals system in an effort to prevent delays from simply moving from one part of the asylum process to another.
The figures suggest that while the government has made progress in speeding up initial decisions, the overall functioning of the asylum system will depend on whether the appeals backlog can be reduced in the months ahead.