There were around 5,000 asylum claims for each of the first three months of the year compared to last October's peak of just under 9,000.

However, there are concerns whether this reduction is due to the increase in work permits and other visas given to people who would have otherwise claimed asylum.

What are your views on this issue?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received:

It is sad that some people want scapegoats Stuart Betts, Scotland

There seems to be a tremendous preoccupation with asylum seekers amongst certain people. What people forget is that many Jewish people came to Britain nearly 200 years ago to cities like Hull, they were seeking asylum and it could be argued that those people helped the city thrive. It is sad that some people want scapegoats and are so full of hatred, maybe they should look in the mirror.
Stuart Betts, Scotland

Time and again this government has proved itself to be comprised of a bunch of pathological liars to whom the truth means what is convenient and expeditious to achieve their aims. On this basis alone it is difficult to believe anything they say; on such a contentious issue as asylum, however, it is impossible.
Steve Lee, England

The problem with this debate is that one side assumes that all asylum seekers are lazy scroungers or economic migrants. The other side assumes that every single one of them is fleeing from some kind of brutal oppression and will be shot the moment they set foot in their own country. In reality some fall in to one category, and some in to the other. The problem is that our system doesn't look after the genuine ones properly or send the bogus ones back where they came from without delay.
Peter, UK

The vast majority of past actions have either been cosmetic, unworkable or simply untrue Stan Cooper, UK

I believe the numbers are virtually unchanged. Both Blair and Blunkett react nearly daily with actions, plans and changes. The vast majority of past actions have either been cosmetic, unworkable or simply untrue.
Stan Cooper, UK

I know the figures are lower. I work at the port of Dover with incoming asylum seekers. We have had very few in the last few months. Colleagues in other ports tell me the same. The figures are true, like it or not. (How will the tabloids sell papers if asylum seekers stop arriving?)
BR, UK

I fear some people are looking at this issue upside-down. This first priority must be to fulfil our moral and legal (under the UNHCR) obligations to provide sanctuary to those who may be genuinely fleeing persecution. Self-interest must come second.
Adam, UK

People always say, "Well we are a rich country, we can afford it". If so then why are our schools, hospitals, police, fire services all running low on money? Surely if we were rich these problems wouldn't exist?
Tom, England

Our system claims to subscribe to the concept of the free market. One part of this concept which we seem to conveniently forget is that an integral part of the free market is the free movement of labour. People who oppose economic migrancy are simply selfishly trying to protect their own unfair advantage and privilege.
Rachel Clements, UK

We take for granted the capacity to be able to live and work almost anywhere in the world. Why should we deny that freedom to others who, after all, are often willing make a very positive contribution to our society?
CD, UK

History shows that the majority of them contribute positively to the British economy Peter Munro, UK

I am suspicious of the latest asylum figures. Both the police and hospitals have been found out manipulating the figures in order to reach government targets. With this record why should the public believe in any government figures? It is difficult to believe that asylum seekers walk thousands of miles in order that they can skive and claim benefit in the UK. History shows that the majority of them contribute positively to the British economy, for example the majority of Ugandan Asians expelled by Idi Amin have established thriving businesses in the Leicester area.
Peter Munro, UK

None of our immediate neighbours are at war (especially France!) or suffering any other form of devastation. Therefore there is precisely zero need for asylum seekers to cross our borders before applying for asylum and being accepted. We can make our contribution to asylum needs without throwing the gates open.
Ray, UK

If people who are at risk are willing to come here and work hard, thus benefiting our economic structure, there shouldn't be a problem. Often racists back their argument against foreigners entering the country by saying that they are sponging off the government, though we have many people born in this country who are not prepared to input their worth back into the country.
Christina Powell, Devon

If there has been a drop in asylum applications due to a general trend of political and economic wellbeing in the world then I would welcome the figures. However, there is every reason to be cynical about this: we have seen what "stabilisation" measures New Labour proposes to put in place in countries of 'origin'. In Iraq people are too busy struggling to find clean water to have the time/energy to come to Britain. Why are New Labour so proud of themselves?
Vicki S, UK

Who else will work for minimum wage in a factory from 6am? MA, UK

Despite my partner (former asylum seeker) being granted permission to stay 2 years ago, the Home Office are still providing benefits as they are so far behind with their paperwork! Maybe this is why the claim figures look so high! This country should welcome asylum seekers and economic migrants. After all - who else will work for minimum wage in a factory from 6am?
MA, UK

Turmoil elsewhere will always produce mass movements of people into this country. Effort expended on solving the causes of turmoil, injustice and terrorism will do more for "asylum figures" than all the massaging of immigration statistics and wars will ever do.
John M, Lyne Meads, UK

To those opposed to immigration, I suggest we return to the country depicted by our surnames. All those with Irish names return to Ireland; Scottish to Scotland; Welsh to Wales; Anglo-Saxon to Germany etc etc etc...
Mark Inno, Netherlands

I think the problem is not asylum seekers themselves but the system that operates it. Having a system that has no control, and figures which I believe are dishonest just for political votes, will inevitably lead to social unrest.
Sunil Bedi, UK

If a one-bedroom flat in a run down tower block is an improvement on life, then these people deserve pity not hatred. I'm tired of hearing from scroungers "who have lived here all their lives" yet who have done nothing with their opportunities. As a descendant of an asylum seeker (from Poland) I would rather my taxes went to help ambitious incomers, than subsidise lazy natives.
Stefan Kaczan, Glasgow, Scotland

I fear many rightful asylum seekers will suffer the fallout of a system in crisis Martin Haines, UK

I hope the figures are correct, but if the hospital treatment statistics are anything to go by they are probably a victory of optimism over truth. The biggest issue is the level of unreported immigration. No one knows the figures and the present government are not going to look too hard for these statistics. The government has paralysed itself with the human rights act, and I fear many rightful asylum seekers will suffer the fallout of a system in crisis.
Martin Haines, UK

Why do I not believe these figures? Look at the "reduction" in NHS waiting lists and that's why not! Unfortunately I believe there is soon going to be a social unrest as British residents in the UK believe they are being treated unfairly and do not see anything for the taxes they pay. Isn't it amazing that the figures have dropped by over 30% in 3 months now it is obviously a huge issue with the public! If this was such a huge success why did they not do anything before?
Suzanne, England

I shudder every time someone complains about "economic migrants". Even outside of the fact that, in comparably dire economic circumstances to those faced by many in the third world most of us would also try to find a better life elsewhere, I remain convinced that if we take in ten asylum applicants and only one is genuine, then we have still saved that one person's life. The question really boils down to this: What price do you put on human life?
Corin Rhys Jones, England

The best thing this Government could do to reduce the number of asylum seekers would be actively seek an end to the wars that rip apart many parts of the world, and to lobby against the global arms trade which is happy to supply countries that should really spend their money on food, medicine and infrastructure. Yes, that will hit the British arms industry and upset relations with a few other countries.
War does not just generate refugee streams, it is also an important cause of the poverty and hopelessness which contribute to economic migration (ironically it's usually only the relatively well off who can afford to seek a future elsewhere).
Peter den Haan, UK

Peter den Haan is right to say that war is one of the main reasons for those seeking asylum to come to the UK. It follows therefore, that when a war situation is resolved, such as in Iraq or Afghanistan, those people should return. Indeed, I would argue they have a moral duty to do so to help rebuild their war torn countries and build a better future.
James Smith, uk

What possible relevance do changes in the numbers of people claiming asylum have when the vast majority of failed applicants are not deported anyway? Why bother having any immigration controls at all whilst this remains the case?
Dale Deacon, England

Why shouldn't people come to the UK for a better life? Stuart Whatley, Norway

So the government believes that there is a problem in letting people from other countries into the UK. Why shouldn't people come to the UK for a better life and/or to escape persecution? Norway is one country that benefits immensely from immigration.
Stuart Whatley, Norway

Stuart Whately - Norway is an enormous country with a tiny population. The U.K is a tiny country with a (relatively) massive population. It is already overcrowded and public services cannot support the number of people already here. So how is that for just one of the 500 reasons I could give for why many people here have simply had enough of economic migrants.
Martyn, England

The only way to really change things is to invest money in these countries that people are leaving. Improving their standards of living, and trying to encourage democracy and pride in these places. Hopefully this would be more successful in reducing numbers than manning the barricades.
Ian, GB

What people fail to realise about the asylum issue is that whilst their applications are being processed, they have to be put somewhere. So people who object to these asylum centres being built have to come up with a credible alternative whilst their applications are processed. Please remember also that a lot of these asylum seekers come with children which adds to the problem. Remember it's not their fault and we should have nothing but sympathy for their plight. I just ask people to think what they would do in these asylum seekers' shoes if they were in their position.
Mark Newton, UK

The majority of people in this country no longer believe in what this government or any politician says Paul Davis, UK

The main reason that there is a great deal of distrust in the figures is that the majority of people in this country no longer believe in what this government or any politician says. We have had so much spin and outright lies that if they were telling us the truth people would still not believe them. Politics has become corrupt all the way to the top and is shown by the ever decreasing turn out, in both local and general elections.
Paul Davis, UK

So what if figures have dropped due to increases in work permits? People who have 'got on their bike', to coin Norman Tebbit's phrase, should be commended. They set a good example to those people who claim benefits rather then do a job they feel is 'beneath them'.
Damien, UK

This is issue will be substantially solved if the European directive on temporary workers is agreed. This will destroy the advantage of the employment of temporary workers particularly by 'gangmasters' sourcing cheap labour for farmers who are historically pro-Tory.
David Brede, UK

It is impossible to have a reasoned debate about the rights and wrongs of immigration as long as those coming here are always referred to as asylum seekers. The majority of these immigrants are economic migrants, and the term also has to be applied to those who legitimately flee persecution but who do not stop at the first safe destination. We are a country with the worst infrastructure and public services in Europe, we are also one of the most densely populated. You do not have to be a rocket scientist to see that this continual immigration will only end in tears for both the indigenous population and the migrants. This situation must be sorted now before it is too late.
Dudley, UK

Patrik Hon says he does not see the problem in allowing unrestricted access - I wonder where he lives? I live in Southend and over the past ten years I have seen this town ruined by illegal immigrants/ asylum seekers. The Government both local and national do nothing as more businesses close down and the task of the local police becomes more and more difficult. As for me - I will be another Southend citizen to leave my town!
Tony Mabutt, Southend

I simply do not understand why it is so wrong to let economic migrants and political refugees into this country. For God's sake, these people are in search of better life. All they want to do is to feed their families and regain their dignity.
Patrick Hon, UK

We have a right to expect that migrants will respect and support the society they have chosen as their refuge Mark Jones, UK

The number of people coming to this country is not the issue. We need instead to focus on our expectations of the people who do come. Whether seeking a permanent home or temporary refuge, we have a right to expect that migrants will respect and support the society they have chosen as their refuge.
Mark Jones, UK

People have warned for months that asylum figures could be fiddled by increasing the number of work permits, visas etc granted to immigrants in order to avoid counting them as asylum seekers. For the government to publish what it claims are good asylum figures but avoid simultaneous publication of figures for work permits and visas, despite these warnings, is enough to make anyone suspicious. David Blunkett should stop smearing people asking legitimate questions and start providing some factual answers.
David Boycott, UK

I completely agree with Russell Harris' comments on your website. Furthermore, I find the concept of asylum targets completely absurd. If someone has come to the UK seeking a safe refuge from persecution then we have a moral responsibility to take them in. This is irrespective of whether the person is the first to apply or the thousand and first. The UK is a leader on the world stage and regularly shapes the face of nations and regions; we have to be accountable for the problems that that role sometimes creates.
Euan Murray, Uk

The whole debate about asylum is sadly flawed and distorted by gutter press headlines. No one moves half way across the world, risking life or imprisonment, without valid reasons. We should be ashamed of the hostile welcome meted out to refugees and that our government has set up such an atrociously complicated legal system for processing their claims. Let them come, give them work permits contingent upon their being allowed to stay. The refugees want to work and forcing them to wait for two years or more in enforced idleness is a sure recipe for disaster. We also need some government sponsored programmes to educate our nation that offering asylum is our common duty.
Russell Harris, UK

As a Conservative supporter, I feel that Oliver Letwin's comments reflect badly on his approach to the asylum issue. The fact is numbers have reduced dramatically - no massaging of the figures has happened. What he should be concentrating on is the ridiculous decision making, and ineffective removal system this government employs. The ill thought through policies recently introduced are going to increase the number of homeless refugees on our streets. Applaud the reduction, attack the incompetence of ministers for not focussing on the real issue.
Kevin Allsopp, UK

Let us be thankful that we are able to help Angela Parker, UK

I have had the privilege to have befriended some refugees from Zimbabwe. I know that they have fled from atrocities that we cannot even imagine. Since being in this country some of them have been waiting patiently to be able to stay legally. One particular lady, has received no vouchers since the beginning of the year, purely because her solicitor has let her down badly. She has been supported completely by Christian friends from her Church and ours. Let us be thankful that we are able to help.
Angela Parker, UK

Thanks to political correctness it's not possible to have a reasoned debate on this issue. Asylum seekers should be welcomed and given a fair hearing but economic migrants shown the door. What many won't accept is that our refusal to deal with economic migrants passing themselves off as asylum seekers has led to an unsustainable position in which true asylum seekers lose out. Work permits provide a fair and reasonable means of managing economic migrants, but don't solve the underlying problems. When visa quotas are reached, we can expect another asylum seeker boom!
P. Burns, UK

The issue of asylum/immigration has been dealt with very badly by government and the press and we have been ill served as a country because of misinformation. We are a multiracial and cultural society, that's where we are now and we can't turn the clock back nor would I wish to do so. We need more skilled labour to enable our economy to function and we also have a falling birth rate and population as a whole. The answer is to open our country up to the people we need and to treat those who come to our country with respect and not treat them as a political football.
Shaun Tew, UK

For once the government have done something sensible, allowing at least some of those who want to come and work to do so. But the fact remains, they have failed to stand up to the racist myths that underlie anti-asylum hype. Instead they have willingly used asylum seekers as scapegoats to take the blame for every failing public service, and so fed support for racist and fascist groups.
Ben Drake, York, UK

I never cease to be amazed by people in some towns and cities passing themselves off as authorities on the effect asylum seekers are having in other places. I say to Ben Drake if you feel that the whole asylum/migrant issue is hype, visit Dover and other towns in the South East and see for yourself the effect on the local community, NHS and social services. Also when people talk about "families" coming here for their safety please bear in mind that over 75% of all asylum applications are from single men aged between 20-35.
Tony, UK

I have nothing but pity for those people who come here for asylum James Tidy, Brighton, UK

I am sure that many people will claim the lower asylum figures have been manipulated, but this shows why the government should stop caving in to the rightwing press and the media frenzy, as whatever they do, they will be accused of manipulating figures or failing. I have nothing but pity for those people who come here for asylum or to better themselves and give their families a better life only to be vilified and abused by the home population. Maybe that is why the numbers are reducing, as asylum seekers realise that the UK is no longer a refuge.
James Tidy, Brighton, UK

When questioned on the apparent fall in asylum seeker figures, David Blunkett became unaccountably angry and failed to supply the number of work permits granted. He said that he "would" supply such figures, but - given that he knew in advance it was to be a main topic of discussion - it seems strange that he did not have the statistics to hand.
Chris Hunter, England

I agree with Dale Wilson. Of course we feel sympathy with genuine asylum seekers but there is no way that this country can keep absorbing these numbers. Work permits will help those with a skill to offer but often the jobs do not pay enough to support the applicants. This combined with the difficulties of finding accommodation (of which there is insufficient for our own population) is only making the situation worse. We must have a firmer control over the whole situation.
Caroline, England

Dale Wilson has hit the nail on the head. If you are fleeing persecution, surely your primary objective is to make it to the nearest possible safe haven. If every nation is bound by the same commitments to towards genuine asylum seekers, then there should be no necessity for them to 'pick and choose' where they want to go.
John, UK

Why is the government so scared to take a hard line on asylum? It's obvious to everyone that our system is being abused. The EU rules state that these people should claim asylum in the first country they enter - which is not the UK. We have done our bit by accepting more than our fair share and I believe we should start looking at how Australia has dealt with the issue.
Dale Wilson, UK

I reckon this is just a repeat of the NHS waiting list fiddles. The rest of the world hasn't become noticeably safer or richer over the last few months, so I don't see why people should suddenly stop wanting to come to the UK.
John, UK

Alister W seems very dismissive of the attention that the press and the Tory party have given to asylum. Surely the fact that the government have been made to act in this way shows that they were right to place the spotlight on this issue?
Chris Wellbram, UK

This is clearly a disaster, for the Conservative Party and the right wing press at least. How are they going to whip up sensationalist headlines about asylum now? No doubt they will still find a way.
Alister W, London, UK