Rising Asylum Applications in Russia; Afghanistan among Top 10 Countries

DID Press: Russia has seen a significant increase in asylum applications during the first nine months of 2025, with Afghanistan ranking among the top ten nationalities submitting the highest number of requests, reported Russian media.

According to data published by the TASS news agency, Afghan nationals filed 211 applications for temporary asylum during this period — a figure that shows little change from last year but indicates a continued migration trend among Afghans seeking refuge in Russia.

Syria tops the list with 2,823 applications, followed by Ukraine with 2,527 cases. Despite a modest decline in Ukrainian applications compared to last year, Ukrainians remain one of the largest groups seeking asylum in Russia.

Other countries on this year’s list include Uzbekistan with 153 applications, Germany with 93, Turkmenistan with 66, Palestine with 53, Armenia with 45, Moldova with 44, and Israel with 37.

TASS reports that the notable rise in cases — along with the growing diversity of applicants — has posed new challenges for Russian authorities in processing claims and providing services to asylum seekers.