Fast-track asylum decisions
Our objective is to fast-track asylum decisions, remove those whose claims fail and integrate those who need our protection.
We have succeeded in closing the gap between the number of failed asylum applicants and the number removed. The Government has dramatically cut asylum claims since their peak in 2002. There were fewer claims for asylum in 2006 than in any year since 1993. In the fourth quarter of 2006, 3,665 principal applicants were removed from the country. We have successfully met the Prime Minister's 'tipping the balance' target for the whole of 2006, by 3% (450 people), breaking records for the number of failed asylum seekers successfully removed.
In 2007 we introduced a new process for reviewing and deciding asylum cases and we are on target to conclude 40% of cases within six months of receiving the application. By 2011 we aim to complete 90% of cases within six months.
We are aiming to continue this success through a number of measures, including:
- liaising with foreign governments to encourage them to accept back their own citizens;
- increasing surveillance at ports to reduce the number of illegal entrants;
- stepping up enforcement activity; and
- expanding secure accommodation for those awaiting removal.
