Menu
24/08/2004
Home Office hails fall in asylum applications
The number of asylum applications fell by 11% between April and June this year, and is now at its lowest level since the same three months in 1997, according to government figures published today.
The 'Asylum Statistics: 2nd Quarter 2004' report and the annual 'Asylum Statistics: United Kingdom 2003' found that asylum claims have fallen by 70% since October 2002.
The annual figures also show a record number of removals in 2003. The number of failed asylum seekers who were removed or left via formal voluntary schemes rose from 10,740 in 2002 to 13,005 in 2003 - an increase of 21%. This figure rises to 29% when dependants are included.
However, the quarterly figures show a fall of 6% in removals as, following the expansion of the EU, nationals of a number of countries can now live and work in the UK. However, the average monthly rate of asylum removals, 1,045 in the second quarter of this year, remained 63% higher than in the same period for 1997, the government said.
The Home Office said that it would shortly be bringing in new measures to tackle individuals who try to prevent their removal by destroying their documents.
Home Office Minister, Des Browne, said: "The government is committed to pursuing a balanced asylum and immigration policy and today's figures show that is working. We have cut abuse and are protecting our borders while at the same time offering a haven to those genuinely fleeing persecution, and providing controlled legal routes for workers who want to make a contribution to the UK and where it is in the interests of our economy."
(gmcg)
The 'Asylum Statistics: 2nd Quarter 2004' report and the annual 'Asylum Statistics: United Kingdom 2003' found that asylum claims have fallen by 70% since October 2002.
The annual figures also show a record number of removals in 2003. The number of failed asylum seekers who were removed or left via formal voluntary schemes rose from 10,740 in 2002 to 13,005 in 2003 - an increase of 21%. This figure rises to 29% when dependants are included.
However, the quarterly figures show a fall of 6% in removals as, following the expansion of the EU, nationals of a number of countries can now live and work in the UK. However, the average monthly rate of asylum removals, 1,045 in the second quarter of this year, remained 63% higher than in the same period for 1997, the government said.
The Home Office said that it would shortly be bringing in new measures to tackle individuals who try to prevent their removal by destroying their documents.
Home Office Minister, Des Browne, said: "The government is committed to pursuing a balanced asylum and immigration policy and today's figures show that is working. We have cut abuse and are protecting our borders while at the same time offering a haven to those genuinely fleeing persecution, and providing controlled legal routes for workers who want to make a contribution to the UK and where it is in the interests of our economy."
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 May 2004
Asylum applications fall by a fifth: government figures
The number of asylum applications has fallen by a fifth in the past quarter, according to statistics published today. The Home Office published its latest quarterly asylum statistics which found that asylum applications has nose-dived by more than 60% since October 2002.
Asylum applications fall by a fifth: government figures
The number of asylum applications has fallen by a fifth in the past quarter, according to statistics published today. The Home Office published its latest quarterly asylum statistics which found that asylum applications has nose-dived by more than 60% since October 2002.
23 August 2005
Asylum applications fall by 11%
The number of asylum applications fell by 11% in the second quarter of this year, according to the latest figures from the Home Office. It was announced that 6,220 asylum seekers, excluding dependents, arrived in the UK between April and June this year.
Asylum applications fall by 11%
The number of asylum applications fell by 11% in the second quarter of this year, according to the latest figures from the Home Office. It was announced that 6,220 asylum seekers, excluding dependents, arrived in the UK between April and June this year.
17 May 2005
Asylum applications fall by 17%
Asylum applications dropped by 17% over the first three months of 2005, according to the latest figures from the Home Office. The Home Office’s quarterly statistics also showed that monthly applications are now at their lowest level since March 1997.
Asylum applications fall by 17%
Asylum applications dropped by 17% over the first three months of 2005, according to the latest figures from the Home Office. The Home Office’s quarterly statistics also showed that monthly applications are now at their lowest level since March 1997.
19 July 2005
Report claims asylum removals fall short of targets
A new report claims that asylum removals are falling short of proposed targets, with as many as 280,000 illegal immigrants still resident in Britain, despite increased funding being given to the authorities responsible for removing them.
Report claims asylum removals fall short of targets
A new report claims that asylum removals are falling short of proposed targets, with as many as 280,000 illegal immigrants still resident in Britain, despite increased funding being given to the authorities responsible for removing them.
23 May 2006
UK asylum applications rise
The number of asylum applications in the UK increased by 5% in the first three months of 2006, the latest figures from the Home Office have shown. However, removals of failed asylum seekers have also increased, rising by 19% on the previous quarter and 43% when compared to last year's figures.
UK asylum applications rise
The number of asylum applications in the UK increased by 5% in the first three months of 2006, the latest figures from the Home Office have shown. However, removals of failed asylum seekers have also increased, rising by 19% on the previous quarter and 43% when compared to last year's figures.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
