Historical record. With more than 142,500 asylum requests registered in 2023, France has reached a level never equaled in France. In any case, this is what the latest figures published by the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Ofpra) reveal.
“In 2023, nearly 142,500 requests for international protection were submitted to Ofpra, all procedures combined. Among them, there are some 123,400 first requests for asylum,” the body responsible for grant refugee status. An increase of 8.6% in just one year, thus returning “to the trend observed before the health crisis […] which had seriously affected population movements”, detailed, Tuesday January 23.
Afghanistan, the leading country issuing asylum requests
For the sixth year in a row, Afghanistan is at the top of the ranking of countries from which the most asylum requests arise. 17,500 in total for the year 2023. Far ahead of Bangladesh, Turkey and even the Democratic Republic of Congo. Respectively at 8,600, 8,500 and 8,000.
Overseas is also one of the main emitters. Guyana for example, which has a significant proportion of foreigners on its soil. The region of some 290,000 inhabitants experienced a very strong inflation of asylum applications in 2023. More than 102% in just one year. Back to Mayotte where demand has dropped considerably. 2,650 first applications only this year, a decrease of 26% compared to 2022.