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Sharp decline recorded in support for asylum seekers

John CampbellEconomics and business editor, BBC News NI
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It's the first time fewer than half of adults have supported asylum seekers being in NI

Attitudes have hardened towards asylum seekers and refugees in Northern Ireland over the last year, according to new research from Stormont's Executive Office.

Survey data suggests that 49% of adults agreed that asylum seekers should be allowed to stay in Northern Ireland.

That is the first time fewer than half of adults have supported asylum seekers being in NI since the survey began in 2018.

It is down from 56% in 2024 and is a steep drop compared to peak support of 70% in 2022.

The peak of public sympathy in 2022 may reflect the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and widespread support for structured refugee schemes like "Homes for Ukraine."

Since then the political and social context around refugees and asylum seekers in Northern Ireland has shifted significantly.

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Since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine attitudes around refugees and asylum seekers in NI has shifted

Earlier this year there was racially motivated rioting in Belfast and other towns after a refugee was charged with the attempted murder of a man in Belfast.

The survey data comes from the NI Life and Times Survey, an annual independent social research study, conducted by Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University.

It surveys over 1,000 adults, weighted to reflect NI's population.

It shows large differences of opinion between people based on their religious background.

It found that 61% of those from a Catholic background support asylum seekers being in NI, down from a peak of 76% in 2022.

Among those from a Protestant background support for asylum seekers being in NI was 42%, compared to a peak of 63% in 2022.

Support also fell among people identifying as having no religion: down to 52% compared to a peak of 76% in 2022.

When asked a slightly different question: 'Do you agree it is our duty to provide protection to refugees who are escaping persecution in their home country?' there was still an overall majority in favour.

That statement was agreed with by 57% of respondents but again with a big difference based on religious background.

Among those from a Catholic background 68% were in favour, compared to 65% among those of no religion and 46% from a Protestant background.

The survey responses are also broken down by council area. Data for 2024 and 2025 is combined to give a large enough sample in each area.

It suggests that support for asylum seekers being allowed to stay in NI is highest in Belfast at 61%, while it is lowest in Mid Ulster at 44%.

Belfast has a much higher concentration of asylum seekers than any other council area in Northern Ireland.

The most recent official figures state that there are just over 5,000 people on supported international protection schemes in NI

About half are in NI on dedicated schemes helping people from Ukraine and Afghanistan with the rest on standard asylum support.

The Home Office recently estimated there are a further 1,300 unsupported asylum seekers in NI.