Information : Facts and Figures

Facts and figures

∑      There were 8.4 million refugees in the world in 2005, the lowest level since 1980. The UK is home to just 3% of the world's refugees.

∑      2005 was the fifth consecutive year in which the total number of refugees has fallen. Over this five year period the total number of refugees has fallen 31%.

∑      Most refugees stay near their homelands, at the edge of the conflict zones. Neighbouring countries are the ones who usually take the majority of refugees.

∑      The main countries of asylum are Iran and Pakistan (with the largest number of refugees coming from Afghanistan).

As a country we have a choice how to treat people who come to us seeking help.

∑      "In many countries, refugees have the opportunity to integrate locally because the host country has provided them with access to land or the labour market. In other countries refugees remain confined to camps."

Source: UNHCR Global Refugee Trends and Refugee Council website

Setting the record straight -what do other people say?

Refugees are stealing our jobs!
"Asylum seekers come to the UK not for economic reasons, but because of war or human rights abuses." (Source: Institute for Public Policy Research)

Asylum seekers have caused a crime wave!
"The vast majority of people seeking asylum are law abiding citizens." (Source: Association of Chief Police Officers)

Refugees cost the tax payer a lot of money!
"In one year, migrants to the UK, including refugees, made a net contribution to the economy of £2.5 billion." (Source: Home Office)