'Delays in processing asylum claims can be unlawful'

In 2001 the government set itself administrative targets to process new asylum claims within tighter timescales. In order to achieve this it postponed dealing with cases that it had already received. As a result some of the postponed cases were not considered under existing policies so that where these policies subsequently changed some applicants received less favourable treatment. On 20th June 2007 the Court of Appeal ruled that the delay in one such case was unlawful and recommended that this should be remedied by granting Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

The law on this is complex – if you think you may be affected seek legal advice.

Published in July 2007

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