Commenting on the quarterly immigration statistics released by the Home Office on 22 August 2024 and relating to the year ending June 2024, Imran Hussain, Executive Director of External Affairs at the Refugee Council, shared insights on the current situation.
Asylum Backlog:
- Over 118,000 men, women, and children are waiting for an initial decision on their asylum claim.
- Productivity of Home Office decision makers was at its lowest since the height of the Covid pandemic.
- New Government’s course change for asylum policy reform is necessary and welcomed.
Safe Routes and Channel Crossings:
- Significant increase in family reunion visas issued.
- Resettlement figures remain low.
- Positive increase in arrivals of Afghan refugees via the official Afghan refugee scheme.
- Efforts needed to reduce dangerous Channel crossings and improve safe routes.
The Refugee Council emphasizes the need for swift and accurate processing of asylum claims, adequate support for new refugees, and cooperation with international partners to create a fair and compassionate refugee protection system.
Source: www.refugeecouncil.org.uk