As an expert in international relations and migration studies, I have a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding refugee movements and the policies that govern them. When discussing the number of refugees who have come to the UK, it is crucial to differentiate between various categories of migrants, including refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons. Each category is defined by specific criteria and is subject to different legal processes and protections under international law.

The United Kingdom has a long history of providing refuge to those fleeing persecution, war, and human rights abuses. The UK's asylum system is governed by the 1951 Refugee Convention, to which the UK is a signatory, and the European Convention on Human Rights. These legal frameworks provide the foundation for the rights and obligations of refugees and the states that receive them.

To provide an accurate and comprehensive answer to the question of how many refugees have come to the UK, it is necessary to consider the most recent data available from reliable sources such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UK's Home Office, and other governmental and non-governmental organizations that monitor migration flows.

As of my last update, the figures provided in the question refer to data from mid-2015. However, these numbers are outdated and do not reflect the current situation. It is important to note that refugee numbers fluctuate over time due to various factors, including changes in global conflicts, economic conditions, and shifts in migration policies.

Since 2015, the UK has continued to receive refugees through resettlement schemes, family reunion, and those who have claimed asylum upon arrival. The UK has also participated in the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme, which was launched in response to the Syrian refugee crisis. This scheme has seen the UK resettle thousands of refugees directly from the region.

In addition to refugees, the UK also hosts a significant number of asylum seekers. Asylum seekers are individuals who have applied for refugee status but have not yet had their claims fully processed. The number of pending asylum cases can be a significant indicator of the pressures on the asylum system and the need for timely processing and decision-making.

Stateless persons, who are not considered nationals by any country, also find themselves in need of protection and may seek refuge in the UK. The UK's approach to statelessness is guided by its obligations under international law, and it works to prevent and reduce statelessness.

It is also worth mentioning that the UK has a robust legal framework and a well-established system for the integration of refugees into society. This includes access to education, healthcare, and the labor market, as well as support for language learning and cultural orientation.

In conclusion, while the specific numbers of refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons in the UK may change over time, the UK remains committed to its international obligations and to providing protection to those in need. For the most current and accurate figures, it is advisable to consult the latest reports from the UNHCR and the UK's Home Office.

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Q. Are there many refugees and asylum seekers in the UK? A. No. According to the UNHCR, by mid-2015 there were 117,234 refugees, 37,829 pending asylum cases and 16 stateless persons in the UK. That's less than one quarter of a percent of the UK's total population (around 0.24%).read more >>