Menu
22/02/2005
Asylum figures falling, government claims
The number of asylum applications fell by 2% in the last quarter of 2004, new Home Office figures have revealed – the second lowest level since 1997.
The new figures reveal that there were 8,465 asylum applications between October and December 2004. The Home Office said this represented a 22% decrease from the same period last year and a 68% decrease from October 2002 figures.
The number of initial decisions in the last quarter, also dropped by 25% from the previous quarter to 8,460.
The figures also revealed that the number of cases awaiting an initial decision had also fallen – from 23,900 at the end of December 2003 to 9,800 last December .The Home Office said that this was the lowest level in ten years.
In the last quarter, 4% of the cases considered were granted refugee status (an increase of 1% from the previous quarter), while 12% were granted humanitarian protection or discretionary leave (an increase of 4% from the previous quarter). The number of initial decisions that were refusals also dropped in the last quarter to 85% from 90% the previous quarter.
The latest figures showed that Iranian, Chinese and Iraqi people were the most likely to seek asylum in Britain.
Commenting on the new figures, Immigration Minister, Des Browne said: "Asylum numbers are continuing to fall dramatically year on year, and provisional figures for the whole of 2004 show UK asylum applications fell by 33% including dependants, twice the rate of the rest of Europe. This has been achieved through measures such as the closure of Sangatte, rolling out detection technology, posting immigration officers in France and Belgium, ending appeals in the UK for nationals of safe countries, introducing new visa regimes and bringing in tough legislation to deal with abuse of the system and delays."
Mr Browne said that the government was on track to cut asylum support costs by a third by the end of 2005. However, Conservatives Shadow Home Secretary, David Davis, said that the figures showed that the government was "still struggling" to control the asylum situation. He said: "Under Labour, Britain has become a soft touch on asylum and immigration and everybody knows it. Despite the Prime Minister's promises, 250,000 failed asylum seekers remain in Britain and the rate of removals is below the rate of new applications. Only the Conservatives are committed to a quota system to limit the numbers of people that come to Britain."
(KMcA/SP)
The new figures reveal that there were 8,465 asylum applications between October and December 2004. The Home Office said this represented a 22% decrease from the same period last year and a 68% decrease from October 2002 figures.
The number of initial decisions in the last quarter, also dropped by 25% from the previous quarter to 8,460.
The figures also revealed that the number of cases awaiting an initial decision had also fallen – from 23,900 at the end of December 2003 to 9,800 last December .The Home Office said that this was the lowest level in ten years.
In the last quarter, 4% of the cases considered were granted refugee status (an increase of 1% from the previous quarter), while 12% were granted humanitarian protection or discretionary leave (an increase of 4% from the previous quarter). The number of initial decisions that were refusals also dropped in the last quarter to 85% from 90% the previous quarter.
The latest figures showed that Iranian, Chinese and Iraqi people were the most likely to seek asylum in Britain.
Commenting on the new figures, Immigration Minister, Des Browne said: "Asylum numbers are continuing to fall dramatically year on year, and provisional figures for the whole of 2004 show UK asylum applications fell by 33% including dependants, twice the rate of the rest of Europe. This has been achieved through measures such as the closure of Sangatte, rolling out detection technology, posting immigration officers in France and Belgium, ending appeals in the UK for nationals of safe countries, introducing new visa regimes and bringing in tough legislation to deal with abuse of the system and delays."
Mr Browne said that the government was on track to cut asylum support costs by a third by the end of 2005. However, Conservatives Shadow Home Secretary, David Davis, said that the figures showed that the government was "still struggling" to control the asylum situation. He said: "Under Labour, Britain has become a soft touch on asylum and immigration and everybody knows it. Despite the Prime Minister's promises, 250,000 failed asylum seekers remain in Britain and the rate of removals is below the rate of new applications. Only the Conservatives are committed to a quota system to limit the numbers of people that come to Britain."
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
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.
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 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.
22 November 2005
Failed asylum seekers removals increase
The number of failed asylum seekers removed from Britain increased by 12% to 3,460 in the third quarter of this year, Home Office figures have shown. People from Serbia and Montenegro, Afghanistan, Iraq, Turkey and Pakistan accounted for most of the removals.
Failed asylum seekers removals increase
The number of failed asylum seekers removed from Britain increased by 12% to 3,460 in the third quarter of this year, Home Office figures have shown. People from Serbia and Montenegro, Afghanistan, Iraq, Turkey and Pakistan accounted for most of the removals.
-
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.
