Iraq remains top source of asylum seekers 

(MENAFN - Jordan Times) Iraq continues to be the largest country of origin for asylum seekers, according to a report recently released by the UN refugee agency.

The report, which detailed trends in the number of individual asylum claims submitted in 44 countries, indicated that 13,200 Iraqis applied for asylum in 38 industrialised countries in the first six months of 2009.

However, the report noted "one-third fewer Iraqis requesting international protection compared to the previous two semesters".

Over half of the Iraqi claims were submitted in four countries - Germany, Turkey, Sweden and the Netherlands - according to the report, while Sweden witnessed a decrease in the number of Iraqi asylum applications.

The study reported an upward trend in the overall number of asylum seekers across the world, with 182,000 asylum seekers.

The US received 13 per cent of all asylum applications lodged in industrialised countries, followed by France, Canada and the UK, according to the report, which was released late last month.

European countries registered 130,000 first-time asylum applications during the first half of this year, the report indicated.

Afghanistan was the second largest country of origin for asylum seekers, with over 12,000 claims in the first six months of 2009, nearly double the number of claims during the same period last year (6,600).

Somalia, which saw a 42 per cent increase in asylum submissions to industrialised countries, was the third largest country of origin (11,100) followed by China (9,300) and Serbia (9,200).

The US remained the major destination for Iraqis residing in Jordan this year, with some 5,421 accepted for resettlement in America as of October.

More than 30,000 Iraqis have moved to the US since a major programme was launched in 2007, while the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) believes it will remain a top destination for Iraqi asylum seekers next year.

Germany (637), Great Britain (550) and Canada (473) were the next

largest resettlement destinations for Iraqis in Jordan during the first 10 months of this year.

Jordan is home to some 500,000 Iraqis displaced by conflict.

Classified as "guests", Iraqis are afforded essential services, such as free education and access to healthcare. Around 46,678 are recognised as refugees and registered with the UNHCR.

By Taylor Luck