Despite the increases in overall numbers, the number being housed in hotels has fallen.belfastlive

15:37, 24 May 2026

map detailling how many asylum seekers are living in each council area

The map details how many asylum seekers are living in each council area

The number of asylum seekers living in Northern Ireland is on the rise.

A total of 5,019 asylum seekers were living in Northern Ireland as of March 2026. That works out as 0.26 per cent of the population.

The number is on the rise, though, having increased from 4,452 in December 2023.

Almost half of the asylum seekers living in Northern Ireland are from Ukraine. The total number of people in Northern Ireland as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme has risen to 2,260 in March.

Despite the increases in overall numbers, the number being housed in hotels has fallen.

A total of 236 asylum seekers were being housed in contingency accommodation in March. That’s down from 418 in December 2024 and 753 in December 2023.

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