The Medical Foundation saw 4,957 new clients, an increase of more than 1,500 over its previous record figure. Those countries most heavily represented included: Turkey (697 clients), Sri Lanka (683), Iran (477), Iraq (468), Kosovo (304), Congo (206), Afghanistan (198), Somalia (134), Algeria (125), Eritrea (99), and Ethiopia (91).

The government has conceded that, despite the restrictions imposed on asylum seekers by the 1999 Immigration and Asylum Act, a record number of more than 76,000 new applications were made last year (over 100,000 if family members are taken into consideration).

Helen Bamber, director of the Medical Foundation, said: "The countries from which the vast majority of our clients originate are states where persecution and appalling human rights abuses are commonplace. The Government consistently maintains that most asylum seekers are abusing the system. Our figures show that thousands of asylum seekers reaching these shores have every reason to flee their country of origin and should be treated with dignity and respect."

The Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture is the only organisation in the United Kingdom dealing solely with victims of torture and organised violence, providing them with medical treatment, psychological assistance and practical support.

The Medical Foundation can be contacted on 020 7813 3445.