Introduction to Asylum Seeking in OECD Countries
In 2024, the number of asylum seekers in advanced economies of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) increased by 43%, reaching a total of 3.1 million applications. This figure represents a 13% rise compared to 2023 and more than double the number recorded in 2019.
United States Leads Asylum Applications
According to the Migrant 2025 report, the United States concentrated approximately 60% of asylum applications from migrants. Following the US, Canada, Germany, and Spain received significant numbers of asylum requests.
Mexican Asylum Seekers
Among the top six countries of origin for asylum applications, Mexican nationals submitted around 90,000 petitions for asylum or protection. The United States received over 85% of the asylum requests from Mexican migrants in 2024.
Global Asylum Seekers
Before Mexico, India, Afghanistan, Syria, Colombia, and Venezuela were the leading countries of origin for those seeking humanitarian interventions to obtain asylum. Colombia submitted 150,000 requests, while Venezuela approached 250,000 petitions.
More than 60% of Venezuelan asylum applications targeted the United States, similar to other Latin American countries.
Mexico as a Recipient of Asylum Applications
In 2024, Mexico received 78,900 asylum requests, with Honduras, Cuba, and Haiti being the primary countries of origin for those seeking protection.
Mexico experienced a 44% increase in asylum applications compared to 2023, which was already a record-breaking year.
OECD Data and Migrant Success
Stefano Scarpetta, OECD’s Director of Labour, Employment, and Social Affairs, presented a report highlighting that migrants from North, Central, and South American countries often succeed in securing employment in OECD European labor markets.
The report indicated that the 38 OECD countries received 1,783 new asylum applications per million inhabitants in 2024. This number marked a 14% increase from the previous year.
Overall, there was a slowdown in irregular entries to member countries. With stricter US migration policies anticipated, a continued decline in asylum applications is expected throughout 2025.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main topic of this article? The article discusses asylum seekers in OECD countries, focusing on trends and data from 2024.
- Which countries were the top sources of asylum seekers? The primary countries of origin for asylum applications were Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, India, Afghanistan, and Syria.
- Which country received the most asylum applications? The United States concentrated approximately 60% of asylum applications from migrants.
- How did Mexico fare as a recipient of asylum applications? Mexico received 78,900 asylum requests in 2024, with Honduras, Cuba, and Haiti being the main countries of origin.
- What factors influenced asylum application trends in 2024? Increased global migration, stricter US policies, and successful integration of migrants into European labor markets contributed to the trends observed.
