The second quarterly asylum statistics were published last week. They showed an increase in asylum applications by 15% from quarter 1, although they remained low. The success rate of appeals also remained steady, at around 20%, although for the first time the break down of appeals by nationality was not published so it was not possible to see whether, as normal, some nationalities were more successful at appeal than others.
The government also announced its plan to reorganise the appeals system, by reintroducing a second tier of the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal, and proposing to limit the way that decision could be challenged by the higher courts.
Donna Covey, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council said:
“If the low numbers of asylum seekers to the UK were the result of the world becoming a safer, more peaceful place, then we would have something to celebrate. As it is, we have real concerns that people who need our help and protection are not able to get here to access it. We need to ensure that our borders remain open to refugees who are in fear for their lives.
“It is also vital that the integrity of the asylum appeals process is maintained. 1 in 5 appeals are successful – this clearly shows that appeals provide a vital safety net. We must ensure that the process is of the highest quality and that it is subject to effective judicial scrutiny.”
See also:
Home Office Quarterly Asylum Statistics
