Αsylum applicants in EU show annual increase by 66%

In April 2022, 54,145 first-time asylum applicants (non-EU citizens) applied for international protection in the EU Member States, up 66% compared with April 2021 (32, 570) and down 28% compared with March 2022 (74, 950). 

According to Eurostat, the decrease from March to April 2022 can be attributed in large part to the decrease in Ukrainian first-time applicants (from 12,885 in March to 1,510 in April; -88%), whose numbers had increased in March due to the military aggression of Russia on Ukraine.

In April 2022, there were also 5,555 subsequent applicants (people who reapplied for asylum after a decision had been taken on a previous application). This was up 2% when compared with April 2021, and down 16% compared with March 2022. 

In April 2022, Afghans were the largest group of persons seeking asylum (7,255 first-time applicants). They were followed by Syrians (6,485), ahead of Venezuelans (3,655), Colombians (2,705) and Turks (2,600).