The number of asylum requests filed in France has exceeded pre-pandemic levels in 2023, totaling 145,522 requests and 21,910 subsidiary applications, which is a total of 167,432 requests. This represents a 7.5% increase compared to 2022.
Among the first requests made in One Stop Shops for Asylum Seekers (GUDA), the requests under the Dublin Regulation increased by 25.4% in 2023. Afghan nationals continue to file the highest number of asylum requests, making up 11.6% of all requests for the year. However, compared to 2022, application rates by this nationality group have dropped by 24.8%.
Similarly, a drop in Bangladeshi requests was noticed, with 9.3% fewer than last year, while requests from Sri Lankan nationals have surged by 79.1%. Additionally, during 2023, demand from Russian nationals increased considerably, by around 62%, and asylum requests from African countries have been up by 71.1%.
There were strong increases in asylum requests from the Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan. Stateless persons’ requests were also up by 8.6% compared to 2022.
Since the war in Ukraine started in February 2022, individuals from Ukraine seeking temporary refuge in France can obtain a Temporary Residence Authorization (APS) as beneficiaries of temporary protection. This authorisation is initially valid for six months and can be renewed. As of the end of 2023, there were 62,438 valid ‘temporary protection’ permits held by Ukrainian nationals, reaching a peak of 67,252 at the end of February.
Relatively few Ukrainians have sought asylum in France, with 3,405 applications recorded in 2023, ranking Ukrainians as the 11th most represented nationality. Moreover, 2,348 Ukrainian nationals were granted international protection in France, a significant increase from the 702 granted protection in 2022.
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