Many people in Wales care deeply about fairness, safe communities and honest information.

But discussions about asylum can sometimes feel confusing or overwhelming.

This page brings together key facts about asylum in Wales, alongside context that helps explain what the figures really mean.

Because good information helps communities feel informed, confident and less anxious about complex issues.

In the year ending December 2025:

• around 3,353 people were receiving asylum support in Wales
• this was less than 5% of the UK total

Wales has a population of more than 3 million people. So if you put everyone who had been dispersed to Wales this year they would only fill around 3% of the Principality Stadium.

People seeking asylum make up a very small proportion of the overall population.

Research shows people often overestimate asylum numbers when they only hear headlines or online debate.

Having local facts and context can help communities feel calmer and more confident about what is actually happening.

Asylum policy is decided by the UK Government, not the Welsh Government.

This includes:

• border policy
• asylum rules
• accommodation contracts
• and decisions on asylum claims

The Welsh Government does not decide who or how many people are dispersed to Wales through the asylum system.

Its role focuses on helping people already here settle safely and contribute to local communities.

Understanding who is responsible for different parts of the system can help make public debate clearer and more constructive.

Wales’ Nation of Sanctuary plan at its heart, is about helping people already living here become part of community life as quickly as possible.

This includes helping people:

• learn English or Cymraeg
• build local connections
• access education
• volunteer
• and work when legally allowed

One of the main principles is “integration from day one”.

The thinking behind this is practical.

People are more likely to contribute positively when they feel connected, supported and able to rebuild their lives.

Most people agree communities work best when people can contribute rather than remain isolated.

People seeking asylum who need support are provided with accommodation and very basic financial support.

People in self-catered accommodation receive around £49.18 per week for essentials including:

• food
• clothing
• toiletries
• travel
• and phone data/internet access

People in catered accommodation receive around £9.95 per week because meals are provided.

Many people are surprised by how limited this amount is.

For example, a return bus journey to a supermarket can cost £6.50 alone, especially in areas with limited public transport.

This support is designed to cover only the most basic day-to-day needs while someone waits for an asylum decision.

Nearly all people seeking asylum are not allowed to work while waiting for a decision.

If someone has waited more than 12 months, they can apply for permission to work in limited shortage occupations only.

At the same time, Wales faces worker shortages in areas including:

• health and social care
• construction
• and parts of the NHS

Some organisations and employers have argued that the current shortage occupation list does not fully reflect the workforce needs and economic gaps Wales faces.

This means people seeking asylum may have skills or experience that match local shortages, but are still unable to work because their profession is not included on the approved list.

Allowing people seeking asylum to work sooner could:

• reduce reliance on asylum support
• help address workforce shortages
• and allow people to contribute through taxes, skills and experience

The right to work for people seeking asylum remains an active area of political and public debate across the UK.