Asylum applications fall
Asylum applications have fallen to their lowest level for eight years, according to statistics published today.
The Home Office revealed a 17 per cent drop in asylum applications over the first three months of 2005, compared to the last three months of 2004.
Applications between January and March 2005 were 22 per cent lower than the same period last year, and 73 per cent lower than 2002 when applications were peaking.
The Government outlined further measures to control immigration and asylum in today’s Queen’s Speech.
These included the introduction of a ‘points’ system for migrants to allow immigration where it is in the UK’s interest, and of new technology such as biometrically-enabled travel documents to help deter and identify illegal immigrants.
Immigration Minister Tony McNulty said: “Asylum applications are continuing to fall significantly, and at a faster rate than other European countries, as a result of Government action in recent years including moving immigration controls across the channel, securing the closure of Sangatte, speeding up the asylum process and legislation to target abuse.”
He added: “Over the coming months we will be implementing our five-year strategy for asylum and immigration to deliver strict controls that work in the interests of Britain.”
Other measures announced today allow data-sharing by border agencies, bringing in civil penalties for employers of illegal workers and limiting the appeal rights for visa refusals.
Today’s figures also show that the number of cases awaiting an initial decision has fallen to its lowest level for a decade, while removals have increased by four per cent over the previous quarter.
Iran tops the list of countries whose citizens are applying for asylum in the UK, followed by Iraq and Somalia.
