The European Union (EU) received more than 91,700 asylum applications in August of this year, which represents a year-on-year increase of 19%, the EU Statistical Office Eurostat reported yesterday.
“In August 2023, 91,735 first-time asylum seekers (non-EU citizens) requested international protection in EU countries, which represents an increase of 19% compared to August 2022 (77,145),” says the statement collected by the Sputnik news agency.
Among the applicants, the largest number corresponds to people of Syrian nationality (18,170), followed by Afghans (9,785), Turks (7,970), Venezuelans (4,805) and Colombians (4,665).
In addition, European authorities registered 4,465 unaccompanied minors who requested asylum, mainly from Syria and Afghanistan.
Germany, Spain, France and Italy continue to receive the highest number of applications, representing 68% of the total in the EU.
As in previous months, in August 2023, Germany received 29,110 applications, Spain 12,075, France 11,495 and Italy 10,005. Meanwhile, 5,660 people were registered who submitted a new application, 8% less compared to August 2022.
In recent months, several countries have tightened their immigration policies. The French Senate recently approved a tougher version of the government’s proposed immigration law. Thus, they managed to suppress State medical aid to irregular immigrants and access to subsidies and provisions relating to regularization were tightened. In addition, the expulsion rules were simplified, the right to asylum was reformed and the delivery of residence permits and family reunification were made conditional. In Germany, it was agreed to reduce financial aid for migrants when they arrive at reception centers, in response to criticism from conservative sectors after the arrival of 1 million Ukrainians last year and the influx this year of migrants from the Middle East and Africa.
The agreement seeks to make the country less attractive for migrants starting next year.
Source: Ambito
