UNHCR statistics for the first six months of 2009 show that Australia experienced a 30% growth in numbers of asylum seekers compared with January 1 to June 30 2008. But we are lagging well behind some other nations, no matter what Piers Akerman might say.
Scandinavian countries recorded the greatest surge in numbers, with numbers in Finland increasing by 136%, in Norway 24 per cent, whereas numbers in Sweden decreased by 38%. Switzerland had a 56% increase, and France 21%, while the UK numbers reduced by 15%.
Numbers of asylum seekers in the USA increased 6%, and in Canada reduced by 34% Asylum claims in industrialized countries – Latest monthly data
