More than one million asylum applicationscoming mainly from Syrians and Afghanswere lodged in the European Union in 2023, a record number of the last seven years, according to the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA).
The number of applications for protection in the 27 countries of the European Union, as well as Norway and Sweden, countries belonging to the Schengen zone, increased by 18% compared to 2022 to reach 1.14 million, it is reported in European agency report.
The increase confirms the trend seen since 2020 when the European Union emerged from its pandemic Covid during which movement was restricted. The numbers approach those of 2015-2016, when 1.3 million people, including many Syrians who had fled war-torn Syria, sought refuge, the Athens News Agency reports.
It is first in asylum applications in 2023 Germany, which has recorded 334,000 applications (about 29% of the total). Followed by France with 167,000 applications, h Spain with 162,000 applications and Italy with 136,000.
Although Germany has accepted almost one in three applications, the Cyprusthe Austria and the Hellas have recorded the highest numbers of applications in proportion to their population.
Across the European Union, Syrians have submitted 181,000 applications. Afghans are next with 114,000, although their numbers are down 11% from 2022. Turks have filed 101,000 applications, up 82% from 2022, most in Germany.
Not all applications submitted to the EU are approved. It is very much related to nationality. The recognition rate in 2023 was at 43%, which is the highest rate since 2016.
The Syrians and Afghans receive protection in 80% and 61% of applications respectively, but under a different regime. In most cases, Syrians enjoy subsidiary protection that allows them to remain in the country, but with more obstacles to obtaining citizenship or obtaining a permanent residence permit.
Afghans are usually granted refugee status due to persecution by the Taliban, who have been in power since August 2021.
Source: News Beast
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