Newly released Home Office statistics reveal a substantial decline in the number of asylum seekers accommodated in hotels across the United Kingdom, marking the lowest level recorded in the past eighteen months. The data, published on Thursday, February 26, 2026, indicates a complex immigration landscape with contrasting trends in asylum claims and small boat arrivals.
Hotel Accommodation Figures Show Significant Reduction
According to the official figures, there are currently 30,657 individuals seeking asylum being housed in government-funded hotel accommodations. This represents a dramatic decrease from the 56,018 people recorded under the previous Conservative administration at the end of September 2023. The three-month period from September to December 2025 alone witnessed a 15% reduction in hotel placements.
When compared to the end of the previous year, the number of asylum seekers in hotels dropped by 20% by December 2025. However, it is noteworthy that the current figure remains slightly higher than when the Labour government first took office, which reported 29,561 people in such accommodations.
Contrasting Trends in Asylum Claims and Channel Crossings
The data reveals a 4% decrease in overall asylum claims during 2025, falling from 104,000 to 101,000 applications. This decline occurred despite a concerning 13% increase in small boat arrivals across the English Channel during the same period.
The Labour government has made a firm commitment to completely eliminate the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers by the conclusion of the current parliament in 2029. This policy initiative comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding hotel accommodations, which have sparked protests at various locations including the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex.
Visa Application Numbers Experience Substantial Declines
Separate immigration statistics show a 13% overall reduction in the number of study, work, and family visas granted during 2025 compared to the previous year. The total number of these visas issued dropped from 874,000 in 2024 to 757,000 in 2025.
While study visas actually increased by 2.4% during this period, this positive trend was overshadowed by significant decreases in other categories. Work visas experienced a substantial 29% decline, while family visas decreased by 22%.
Increased Visa Application Refusal Rates
The refusal rate for all visa applications reached its highest level since 2007, standing at 18% for the reported period. Particularly notable is the proportion of work visa applications, which has nearly doubled over two years, rising from approximately 6% in 2023 to nearly 12% in 2025.
A Home Office spokesperson responded to the statistics, stating: "These figures demonstrate genuine progress as we restore order and control to our borders. We have removed nearly 60,000 illegal migrants, reduced numbers in asylum hotels, increased law enforcement action against people smugglers to record levels, and made significant inroads into the asylum backlog."
The spokesperson continued: "Nevertheless, we must pursue further improvements. The number of Channel crossings remains unacceptably high, and too many hotels continue to be utilized for asylum accommodation. Consequently, the home secretary is implementing comprehensive reforms to address the pull factors attracting illegal migrants to Britain, while simultaneously intensifying removal efforts for those without legitimate right to remain."
