Myth Vs Fact
Clear information for calmer conversations
Most people want the same things.
Safe communities. Fair systems. Honest information.
But asylum is often discussed through headlines, rumours or social media posts that can feel worrying or confusing.
This page looks at common questions using official data, evidence and trusted research.
Good information helps people:
- feel more informed
- understand the bigger picture
- and have calmer conversations about difficult issues
Because confident communities are built on facts, not fear.
Myth: “Most people seeking asylum come to the UK illegally.”
Fact
People seeking asylum arrive in different ways.
Home Office figures show that in 2025:
- around half arrived through irregular routes, including small boats
- around 39% had previously entered the UK legally using visas or other permission to travel
Many people are surprised to learn there is no general visa people can apply for simply because they need asylum.
Under international law, people have the right to seek protection if they are fleeing persecution or serious harm.
Understanding how the system works can help separate complex reality from simple online narratives.
Myth: “The UK takes more refugees than anywhere else.”
Fact
The UK is not the country receiving the highest number of asylum applications in Europe.
In 2025, the UK received fewer asylum applications than:
- Germany
- France
- Spain
- and Italy
When measured per head of population, the UK ranked 15th in Europe.
Globally, most refugees are hosted by countries neighbouring conflict zones, often countries with far fewer resources than the UK.
Many people find it helpful to see the wider global picture rather than focusing only on UK headlines.
Myth: “Everyone who claims asylum is allowed to stay.”
Fact
Not everyone who claims asylum is granted protection.
In 2025:
- around 135,000 asylum decisions were made
- around 42% were granted protection at the first decision stage
People who are refused can appeal the decision.
Appeals exist because asylum cases can be legally and factually complex.
Recent figures show:
- around 36% of asylum appeals succeed at tribunal
- and around two thirds eventually result in protection being granted when Home Office reconsiderations are included
This means some initial decisions are later found to be incorrect after further evidence or legal review.
Myth: “Most asylum seekers in Wales live in hotels.”
Fact
Most people seeking asylum do not live in hotels. Most are housed in temporary shared accommodations through the 22 Local Authorities.
In Wales:
- around 74 people were staying in an asylum hotel at the end of 2025
- 1 decommissioned hotel used in Cardiff and on a temporary basis
Understanding local numbers can help communities feel more informed about what is happening in practice.
Myth: “People seeking asylum get lots of money.”
Fact
People seeking asylum receive very basic financial support only if they cannot support themselves.
People in self-catered accommodation currently receive:
- around £49.18 per week for essentials like food, toiletries, clothing, travel and phone data.
Most people seeking asylum are not allowed to work while waiting for a decision.
The Home Office calculates this support rate using estimated costs for basic daily needs.
According to the 2024 Asylum Support Rate Review, the weekly amount is intended to cover approximately:
| Essential item
|
Asylum support weekly amount
|
Approximate average UK weekly spending
|
|---|---|---|
| Food and non-alcoholic drinks | £34.86 | Around £40.96 per person |
| Travel | £4.96 | Around £15 to £25 per person depending on commuting and transport use |
| Phone calls and communication | £4.00 | Around £8 to £15 per person for mobile and internet costs |
| Clothing and footwear | £3.43 | Around £25 per household weekly |
| Toiletries | 89p | Around £3 to £6 per person for basic toiletries and hygiene products |
| Laundry and toilet paper | 57p | Around £2 to £5 per person for household essentials |
| Non-prescription medicines | 47p | A single pack of pain relief medication often costs £1 to £4 |
Many people are surprised by how quickly these costs add up in real life.
This support is designed to cover only the most basic day-to-day needs while someone waits for an asylum decision.
Understanding the practical reality behind the figures can help create more informed conversations about how the asylum system works.
Myth: “People crossing in small boats are not genuinely seeking safety.”
Fact
People arriving by small boat often come from countries affected by war, persecution or conflict.
Recent figures show many arrivals came from countries including:
- Afghanistan
- Syria
- Eritrea
- Iran
- and Sudan
Many people from these countries have historically had high asylum grant rates because of ongoing conflict or human rights concerns.
The asylum system exists to assess each case individually and decide whether someone needs protection under the law.
Myth: “People should just use safe legal routes.”
Fact
There is currently no general visa people can apply for simply because they want to seek asylum in the UK.
Safe and legal routes are limited and usually only apply to specific schemes or nationalities.
This means many people fleeing danger have very limited safe options available to reach protection.
Most refugees remain close to the country they fled.
Many spend years displaced in temporary or unsafe conditions before reaching safety.
Understanding this wider context can help explain why some people take dangerous journeys.