Asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum in South Asia
South Asia: Asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum was 15,715 in 2025. ◆ Volatile
Asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum in South Asia, 2000–2025
Source: Refugee Population Statistics Database, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Analysis
In 2025, asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum in South Asia stood at 15,715.
The figure is up 13.7% on the previous year and up 121.5% over ten years.
Over the whole period, asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum in South Asia peaked at 16,193 in 2022 and was at its lowest, 87, in 2000.
South Asia ranks 43rd of 45 groups on this measure, in the bottom quarter.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum in South Asia, year by year
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 87 | — |
| 2001 | 265 | +204.6% |
| 2002 | 535 | +101.9% |
| 2003 | 775 | +44.9% |
| 2004 | 1,016 | +31.1% |
| 2005 | 1,736 | +70.9% |
| 2006 | 2,356 | +35.7% |
| 2007 | 4,293 | +82.2% |
| 2008 | 5,138 | +19.7% |
| 2009 | 6,746 | +31.3% |
| 2010 | 4,812 | -28.7% |
| 2011 | 4,635 | -3.7% |
| 2012 | 3,821 | -17.6% |
| 2013 | 5,519 | +44.4% |
| 2014 | 6,150 | +11.4% |
| 2015 | 7,096 | +15.4% |
| 2016 | 9,853 | +38.9% |
| 2017 | 11,400 | +15.7% |
| 2018 | 12,772 | +12.0% |
| 2019 | 12,654 | -0.9% |
| 2020 | 11,501 | -9.1% |
| 2021 | 13,754 | +19.6% |
| 2022 | 16,193 | +17.7% |
| 2023 | 12,404 | -23.4% |
| 2024 | 13,822 | +11.4% |
| 2025 | 15,715 | +13.7% |
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 2,295 | 87 | 6,746 | 10 |
| 2010s | 7,871 | 3,821 | 12,772 | 10 |
| 2020s | 13,898 | 11,501 | 16,193 | 6 |
Countries ranked near South Asia
More social development data for South Asia
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 1.44 million (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 238,179 (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 0.0001 units per person (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 238,179 (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 0.0008 units per person (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 0 units per US$ of GDP (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 13.81 % change on previous year (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 1.44 million (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 3.48 % change on previous year (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 0 units per US$ of GDP (2025)
Frequently asked questions
- What is asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum in South Asia?
- Asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum in South Asia was 15,715 in 2025, according to Refugee Population Statistics Database, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
- What is the highest asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum recorded in South Asia?
- The highest recorded value was 16,193 in 2022.
- What is the lowest asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum recorded in South Asia?
- The lowest recorded value was 87 in 2000.
- How does South Asia rank for asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum?
- South Asia ranks 43rd out of 45 groups with data for 2025.
- Is asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum rising or falling in South Asia?
- Over the last ten years it is up 121.5%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this South Asia data come from?
- The figures come from Refugee Population Statistics Database, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), published as part of Asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Asylum-seekers are individuals who have sought international protection and whose claims for refugee status have not yet been determined. This includes those who are in various stages of the asylum process, such as initial application, appeal, or awaiting final decision. In specific contexts, asylum-seekers may also include those who are seeking protection under complementary forms of protection, and those enjoying temporary protection, but whose claims are still under consideration.