EU asylum applications drop in November 2024, Syrians remain largest group

In November 2024, 75,045 first-time asylum applicants sought international protection in EU countries, marking a 14% decrease from October 2024 (86,920) and a 31% drop compared to November 2023 (108,895). Additionally, there were 6,430 subsequent applicants, reflecting a 14% decline from the previous month and a 5% decrease from November 2023.

Syrians top the list of asylum seekers

Syrian nationals continued to represent the largest group of first-time asylum seekers, with 11,565 applications, followed by Venezuelans (7,210) and Afghans (5,880).

Germany, Spain, Italy, and France receive the most applications

Four countries—Germany (16,820), Spain (14,925), Italy (11,620), and France (11,345)—accounted for 73% of all first-time asylum applications.

Measured against each country’s population size, the highest application rates were recorded in Greece (79.5 per 100,000 people), followed by Cyprus (42.4), and Spain and Luxembourg (30.7 each).

Unaccompanied minors and asylum applications

A total of 2,820 unaccompanied minors applied for asylum, primarily from Syria (860), Egypt (395), and Afghanistan (385). Germany received the most applications from unaccompanied minors (875), followed by Greece (525) and Spain (320).

This data was published today by Eurostat, providing insight into the asylum trends across the EU.