Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Accepted
Many asylum seekers remain in limbo with unprocessed claims pending relocation.
Conclusion
The Illegal Migration Bill was first introduced to Parliament in March 2023, and since this time the Home Office has not been processing claims for the majority of people arriving in small boats and through other irregular means. We remarked that at the time of our evidence session, individuals could not apply for asylum and the Home Secretary was not yet obliged to remove them, so they were effectively left in limbo. The Home Office said it was correct and that at the time they were pending relocation. During the evidence session the Home Office told us that the inadmissibility, once commenced, will apply to people who have arrived after 7 March 2023. This meant that some people had been waiting for more than one year to hear if they will be relocated to Rwanda or another third country, when available. In subsequent correspondence, the Home Office confirmed that the duty to remove people to Rwanda or another country would apply to individuals who arrived from 20 July 2023.27
Government Response Summary
The government states it agrees and has implemented the recommendation, outlining existing processes for safeguarding, welfare, accommodation standards, and health checks for individuals whose cases are under consideration, but does not address the issue of individuals being left 'in limbo' due to processing delays.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 3.2 All individuals are able to raise concerns with the department whilst their case is under consideration and where safeguarding concerns are raised, these are escalated to the relevant safeguarding hub. The Third Country Unit also has capability to make an immediate decision to admit an individual into the UK asylum system if the circumstances of any particular case merit such action, such as the welfare of an individual being significantly impacted by ongoing third country enquiries. 3.3 Asylum Accommodation service providers identify suitable accommodation and ensure that they conform to the accommodation standards and provision set out in Schedule 2 of the Asylum Accommodation and Support Contracts (AASC). 3.4 The Home Office then assesses the recommendation, undertaking a site visit with the accommodation provider as required and will work with the provider and property owner to bring the site up to a suitable standard. Local authority partners are able to visit sites should there be environment health, policing and/or Fire Authority concerns. 3.5 The department takes the welfare of asylum seekers extremely seriously. At every stage in the process, its approach is to ensure that all needs and vulnerabilities are identified and considered, including those related to mental health and trauma. 3.6 Providers follow established standard procedures to manage the safety, security and wellbeing being of those they accommodate. All asylum seekers undergo health checks and a screening interview to establish any vulnerabilities, and the basis of their asylum claim. 3.7 The department also works closely with the NHS, local authorities and non-governmental organisations to ensure that healthcare is accessible and operates a Safeguarding Hub to support vulnerable individuals. Every step is taken to ensure the safety of residents. All asylum seekers are able to access healthcare and are signposted to do so. 3.8 Accommodation is allocated on a no-choice basis and individuals may be moved to other locations in line with the Allocation of Accommodation guidance. The department continues to ensure the accommodation provided is safe, secure, leaves no one destitute and is appropriate for an individual’s needs.