In response to the Home Affairs Committee report into the work of the UK Border Agency published today, Jonathan Ellis, Director of Advocacy at the Refugee Council, said:

“60 years on from the UN Refugee Convention, which has saved countless lives, it is unacceptable that thousands of people seeking safety in the UK have been left living in limbo with their cases unresolved because of UKBA’s administrative failures.

“Decisions on asylum cases must be made quickly and fairly. It is imperative that asylum seekers have adequate support and early access to good quality legal advice to pursue their case, but the culture of disbelief among UKBA caseworkers must also be eliminated. Getting decisions right first time is a win-win for everyone involved in the asylum system. It will not only ensure that those in need of protection can get it, it will also speed up the process and avoid lengthy appeals, saving taxpayers’ money. We urge the government through its asylum improvement project to ensure those fleeing conflict and persecution today can get the protection they need without waiting years to get it.”