There was a significant increase in the number of applications from Russians seeking asylum in France in 2022.

According to the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Ofpra), the "long-term nature and severity of the Russian regime" have resulted in a higher influx of asylum requests from Russia compared to previous years, with a growth rate of +75%.

A total of 2,617 Russians have filed asylum applications, expressing their concerns about their political views as they oppose the war and refuse to respond to the draft or mobilisation in the Russian armed forces, as stated by the Office.

Overall, France received over 56,000 asylum applications from citizens of different countries last year. For the fifth consecutive year, Afghan citizens were the most frequent applicants for asylum in France, with 17,000 out of 131,000 applications.

As of December 31, 2022, the number of individuals under the protection of Ofpra in France is estimated at 547,102.

The statistics do not include citizens of Ukraine who enjoy a special scheme known as "temporary protection." This scheme exempted Ukrainian refugees in France, approximately 100,000 individuals, from applying for asylum, granting them the right to stay and access to various social benefits.

In May, the German authorities deported Russians for the first time since the Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.

At the same time, last year saw the highest number of Russians moving to Finland in the past 30 years.