15,000 asylum families to remain in UK
Home secretary David Blunkett has announced that around 15,000 families with longstanding asylum claims will be eligible for leave to remain.
The announcement comes ahead of the government’s introduction of tough new reforms, which will attempt to cut back on delays and abuse of the asylum system.
Mr Blunkett said on Friday that families who sought asylum in the UK more than three years ago, the majority of whom are being supported by the taxpayer, will be considered for permission to live and work here.
He stressed that granting asylum seekers permission to work would ease the current burden on taxpayers.
The home secretary also unveiled new measures to end all future support for families who have been denied asylum if they refuse to take up the offer of a voluntary, paid route home.
So-called “hard case” applicants will only be given benefits if they agree to comply with the removal process once it becomes possible for them to go home.
Mr Blunkett said: “As the Chief Inspector of Schools said earlier this week, children from asylum-seeking families are especially motivated and doing well in schools. MPs from all sides appeal to me for such families to be allowed to stay in the UK every week.”
“This one-off exercise will enable those who have suffered years of uncertainty over their status to move off benefits and into work to fully contribute to society,” he added.
Families who sought asylum in the UK before October 2nd 2000, had children before that date and who have suffered from historical delays in the system will be eligible for leave to remain.
However, people who have committed a criminal offence, lodged multiple asylum applications or whose cases are the responsibility of countries elsewhere in Europe will be excluded from the exercise.
Official figures show that the taxpayer is currently supporting 12,000 families who applied for asylum prior to October 2000. Most are expected to qualify for leave to remain.
The Home Office will write to those who are eligible for leave to remain under the exercise and it is expected to take about six months to assess the bulk of those who may be eligible.
