Pakistan has been added to the list of countries subject to accelerated processing for international protection applications.

The accelerated decision-making process, introduced in November 2022, applies to applicants from 15 designated “safe countries of origin” as well as now two countries with a high caseload of applications, Nigeria and Pakistan.

In the last two quarters, Pakistani nationals have ranked as the second highest nationality for applications for international protection, according to government figures.

The number of international protection applications from Pakistan rose by nearly 2,000 per cent from 68 in 2021 to 1,391 in 2024, and there have been 905 in 2025 so far.

At present, applications under the accelerated decision-making process are receiving first decisions in around four months.

Justice, home affairs and migration minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “I am committed to ensuring that the protection system works for those who genuinely need our help.

“One of ways in which we do this is to prioritise certain applications — for people from safe countries, or from those countries with a large number of applications.

“This approach allows us to adapt to the changing patterns of international protection and is a critical element of our firm but fair approach. And this approach is working.

“This year there has been a 43 per cent reduction in application numbers compared to this time last year.”