A new independent body will expedite asylum appeal decisions to reduce the backlog of individuals awaiting resolution of their cases. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is establishing the Independent Immigration Appeals Authority (IIAA) to prioritize high-risk foreign offenders, human rights claims deemed lacking merit, and urgent modern slavery cases.
Scheduled for implementation by late 2027, the new system aims to streamline the process by establishing a single appeal pathway. Currently, asylum seekers can appeal rejected claims and submit additional claims before facing removal.
The current average case clearance time is 61 weeks, with over 150,000 immigration and asylum appeals pending. Officials assert that the current system cannot sustainably manage the caseload.
Ms. Mahmood emphasized the need for the new appeals body, stating that the current appeals tribunal is overwhelmed, leading to the misuse of appeals to delay removal. The revamped system will ensure timely and fair hearings for legitimate claims while swiftly addressing those abusing the system.
These changes are part of the contentious Immigration and Asylum Bill, set to be introduced in Parliament soon. The bill aims to facilitate deportations by addressing perceived flaws in existing laws that undermine public trust in the system.
Despite expected opposition from some Labour MPs, the reforms will include restrictions on using the European Convention on Human Rights to prevent deportations and enhanced age verification measures to identify adults posing as unaccompanied children.
In a bid to garner support for the reforms, the Home Secretary pledged to create new safe and legal pathways for refugees. These initiatives include a sponsorship scheme similar to Canada’s model, allowing communities and trusted universities to support refugees, and an employer-led work program.
Recent criticism of the asylum system highlighted significant challenges, including asylum seekers disappearing when applications are denied and inadequate housing oversight by local authorities. The report also noted uncertain plans for relocating asylum seekers out of hotels, despite political promises.
The Home Office’s plan to expand the use of ex-military sites to accommodate asylum seekers has raised concerns among human rights groups. Kamena Dorling, Director of Policy at Helen Bamber Foundation, warned about the adverse impact on individuals’ mental and physical health when housed in such facilities.
The government is set to extend the use of existing asylum sites and ex-military barracks to accommodate asylum seekers until at least 2030, despite objections from advocacy groups.
