Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Fourth Report - Equality and the UK asylum process
Women and Equalities Committee
HC 93
Published 27 June 2023
Recommendations
3
Accepted
Para 48
Establish a specialist team for women's asylum claims involving sexual and gender-based violence.
Recommendation
The Home Office’s heavy reliance on a single substantive asylum interview disadvantages women with histories of sexual and gender-based violence and abuse. These women will invariably be experiencing the effects of trauma and related mental health issues, with potential effects …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that its existing “Gender issues in the asylum claim” policy already ensures interviews are responsive to trauma, allows breaks and subsequent interviews where needed, identifies vulnerable claimants, and permits companions in exceptional circumstances. They do not commit to establishing a specially trained team or mandating multiple interviews for all such cases.
Government Equalities Office
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19
Accepted
Para 128
Conduct urgent review of asylum safeguarding and increase dedicated safe accommodation provision.
Recommendation
The Home Office should conduct an urgent review of safeguarding policies and practices across all asylum support contracts, to ensure the asylum support contracts safeguarding framework is being consistently and effectively implemented in all settings. It should publish its review …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that the safety and wellbeing of all asylum seekers is of paramount importance and describes existing safeguarding measures, policies, and procedures.
Government Equalities Office
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21
Accepted
Publish robust safeguarding policy for contingency accommodation, including needs-based risk assessments for vulnerable groups.
Recommendation
As part of the safeguarding review and action plan recommended above, the Home Office must publish a robust safeguarding policy in relation to the use of hotels and other facilities as contingency accommodation. This should include a requirement for a …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that the safety and wellbeing of all asylum seekers is of paramount importance and describes existing safeguarding measures, policies, and procedures.
Government Equalities Office
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32
Accepted
Para 196
Replicate the successful VPRS approach within the UK Resettlement Scheme and in future migrant crises.
Recommendation
The Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS) provides a recent good practice example of an effective resettlement scheme, which was successfully scaled up in response to a migrant crisis. The scheme was adequately and predictably funded with a clear target for …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that the UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS) is a direct successor to the VPRS, building on its success with a flexible approach and a core tariff for local authorities based on the VPRS integration package. It also highlights the new Refugee Employability Programme to strengthen integration.
Government Equalities Office
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35
Accepted
Para 218
Address online visa barriers for Ukrainian pathways and expand disabled access support across the UK.
Recommendation
The online visa application processes for the Ukrainian humanitarian protection pathways are a barrier to access for several groups of people with protected characteristics. These include older and younger people, Roma and other ethnic minority groups, and disabled people. We …
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Government Response Summary
The government details existing measures to address online visa application barriers, such as allowing sponsors to fill forms, providing translations, offering evidential flexibility, and a helpline. For disabled people, it notes councils are advised to check accommodation suitability and conduct needs assessments, but redirects the recommendation to expand 'super-sponsor' support to the Devolved Administrations.
Government Equalities Office
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Conclusions (2)
8
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 74
Biased or prejudiced interpreters can adversely affect a person’s asylum claim, particularly in cases where claims are based on sexual orientation or gender identity and religion or renunciation of religious belief. No interpreter contracted by the Home Office should be able to influence the determination of any claim, particularly where …
Government Response Summary
The government explains that interpreters adhere to a code of conduct setting out impartiality expectations, and while unable to mandate training, provides guidance to staff. It also notes redesigned training for asylum decision makers and assurance checks, which emphasize sensitive exploration of identity and aim to prevent prejudice from influencing claim determinations.
29
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 184
We are deeply concerned that the Home Office’s case-by-case risk assessments prior to issuing notices of intent to remove potentially inadmissible asylum claimants to Rwanda appear to be inadequate. There is evidence that a significant number of vulnerable people, to whom the removal process would very likely be harmful, have …
Government Response Summary
The government defends its existing Notice of Intent process and Adults at Risk policy, stating that these mechanisms already allow individuals to raise vulnerabilities and ensure regular reviews, without committing to suspending notices or reviewing initial screening procedures as recommended.