Asylum shake-up announced

Last week the UK government published proposals for a new streamlined asylum support system. The suggested shake-up includes proposals to: 

• make the principles of the asylum system clear to all who apply, rewarding those who play by the rules and getting tough with those who do not;
• streamline the current complex system of support to make it easier to understand and easier to operate; and
• do more to ensure the system works towards the return of those who have been found to have no protection needs and who have no right to be in the United Kingdom.

Border and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said:

‘I believe our proposals strike a fair balance between supporting asylum seekers while their claim is being determined and encouraging the return of those who have no protection needs and who have no right to be in the UK.

‘We expect those who apply for asylum to abide by the rules. If their claim has been refused, we expect them to leave the country. If they do not, we will enforce their return.’

Additionally, the government published today the responses to its consultation into the oversight of the immigration advice sector. The consultation was launched in May and aimed to improve the way the sector is regulated.

To ensure that advice given to individuals seeking to remain in the United Kingdom is of a high standard, the government will retain the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) and will consider a range of measures to allow for greater levels of intervention such as the power to deregister businesses, the power of inspection and the ability to serve improvement and probation notices.

If you need any immigration advice or help with Studying in the UK, Settlement, Citizenship, Sponsorship, extending Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk