Crisis claims rise in APAC, says Willis report

21% of emergency repatriation incidents were due to political unrest last year.

The industry is facing an increase in crisis-related claims across Asia-Pacific, particularly in kidnap-for-ransom cases, political evacuations, and threats to corporate assets, according to the latest Crisis Management Annual Review by Willis, a WTW business.  

Will Miller, head of Crisis Management, APAC at Willis, noted that whilst reported incidents in the region increased moderately—from 6% in 2023 to 9% in 2024—the risk landscape remains complex and unpredictable. 

In 2024, 21% of all incidents reported to Willis’s risk advisory unit Alert:24 involved emergency repatriations due to political unrest, whilst another 21% were kidnappings for ransom.

The APAC region recorded the third-highest number of kidnappings globally, surpassing the Middle East and North Africa in the last quarter of the year. 

Whilst local nationals made up most victims, foreign nationals are increasingly being targeted, particularly in Thailand.  

Political instability continues to be a major driver of security risks, impacting businesses and their insurance coverage. 

The past year saw a surge in mass casualty attacks across China and Australia, many perpetrated by lone attackers with personal grievances. 

Economic stressors, including high youth unemployment, debt, and a real estate downturn, are believed to be fueling these incidents.

These trends raise concerns for insurers providing coverage for corporate security, business travel, and employee safety.  

Maritime risks also remain a critical issue for insurers. APAC was the leading global hotspot for piracy and maritime criminality in 2024, with 74 reported incidents. 

The Straits of Malacca and Singapore saw a rise in attacks in the last quarter of the year, countering a decline in piracy in areas such as Indonesia and Bangladesh.