“Migration and Asylum”

Amal Toukebri

Department of Research, Studies and International News 29-08-2025

In an era marked by growing global connections, the issue of migration and asylum presents both profound challenges and crucial opportunities for the international community. As millions are forced to leave their homes due to conflict, instability, and hardship, the need to respond with cooperation and respect for human rights has never been more urgent. 
This evolving situation calls for a balanced approach that recognizes the complex realities faced by migrants and refugees
while building durable solutions based on diplomacy and shared responsibility.

Migration and asylum remain urgent global challenges in 2025.
The number of forcibly displaced people has risen significantly, driven by conflicts and fragile state conditions, especially in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. These issues transcend borders and require collective global action.
Despite efforts to stabilize migration flows, particularly in Europe, restrictive border policies exist alongside ongoing humanitarian needs.

Migrants and refugees face many dangers, including risky journeys and a lack of protection and services. This makes it essential to balance security with respect for human rights. To achieve this, addressing the main causes of migration through peace efforts and development, along with fair asylum rules, is very important. Governments, communities, international organizations, and civil society must work together to make migration safe, organized, and respectful.

Key example:
Asylum in Europe in 2025
In May 2025, European Union countries received 54,780 first-time asylum applications from non-EU citizens, marking a 30% decrease compared to May 2024. This number reflects a temporary rise following three months of decline earlier in 2025.
Venezuela was the largest group with 8,085 applicants, driven by an ongoing economic and political crisis pushing many to seek refuge in Spain,
which has uprooted millions of people. Many Venezuelans initially sought refuge in Latin American countries like Colombia and Peru, but changing US migration policies in late 2024 tightened asylum rules and deportation efforts, pushing more Venezuelans to seek protection in the EU. Spain is the main destination because of its shared language and the relatively flexible migration policy that grants humanitarian protection even when international asylum is denied.
Followed by Afghans (4,575), Bangladeshis (3,095), and Syrians (2,935)
Recent shifts include a sharp decrease in Syrian asylum applications due to political changes in Syria After Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took control of Damascus and a transitional government was established, the number of Syrians seeking asylum fell from around 16,000 in October 2024 to just 3,100 in May 2025. Many European countries paused processing Syrian applications.

European asylum policies are becoming tougher in 2025. New rules make it harder for people to apply for asylum and speed up decisions, including quicker deportations. Countries can deny asylum in cases they see as large uncontrolled migration or when migration is used politically by other countries. The EU is also working with non-EU countries to manage migration outside its borders, but some of these countries have poor human rights records, raising concerns.
The aim is to increase border security, reduce irregular migration, and share responsibility more fairly among EU countries. However, critics warn that these changes reduce protections for migrants and asylum seekers, making the process more difficult and less fair for vulnerable people. This shift highlights growing political tensions between security priorities and human rights in European migration policy.

Ultimately, navigating the complexities of migration and asylum demands a spirit of cooperation, respect, and shared responsibility. Through consistent dialogue, diplomacy, and joint action, the international community can foster solutions that uphold human dignity and promote peace and stability for all. The path forward lies in unity.

Ultimately, navigating the complexities of migration and asylum demands a spirit of cooperation, respect, and shared responsibility. Through consistent dialogue, diplomacy, and joint action, the international community can foster solutions that uphold human dignity and promote peace and stability for all. The path forward lies in unity.