The UK has seen a surge in asylum seekers being granted permission to stay based on claims of fear of persecution due to their sexual orientation. According to a report by the Telegraph, in 2023 2,133 individuals were allowed to stay in the UK on these grounds under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) rules. This number is a drastic rise from 762 cases in 2022 and 677 in 2021.

Under ECHR provisions, the UK grants asylum to those facing potential persecution or criminalization in their home countries due to their sexual orientation. While some of the increase has been attributed to the clearing of a Covid backlog of cases, concerns have emerged over the legitimacy of certain claims.

“While it’s impossible to be sure of the genuineness of applicants claiming asylum based on their sexuality, there are too many examples of our being too ready to give the benefit of the doubt,” said Alp Mehmet, chairman of Migrationwatch UK, per The Telegraph.

Mehmet also referred to the case of Saheed Azeez, a 33-year-old Nigerian man who was granted asylum last year after asserting he faced threats from Boko Haram for being gay. Subsequent investigations revealed he fathered three children with three different women. He was also sent to jail for five years for a parcel fraud scam.

The largest number of successful applications in 2023 were from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria.

A Home Office spokesperson emphasized the UK's commitment to processing asylum claims thoroughly and ensuring that claims are properly considered, according to the Telegraph. 

“It is important we clear through the asylum backlog and provide protection to individuals fleeing persecution,” the spokesperson said.  “Our processes are underpinned by a robust framework of safeguards and quality checks, ensuring that claims are properly considered, decisions are sound, and that protection is granted to those who genuinely need it.”