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ASYLUM STATISTICS: REFUGEE ACTION RESPONDS TO THE CONTROL OF IMMIGRATION STATISTICS

Thursday February 25th 2010

ASYLUM SEEKERS whose applications have been fully refused are increasingly choosing to return home voluntarily, according to Home Office statistics released today (Thursday February 25th). The number of enforced removals was down on the previous quarter.

According to the Control of Immigration statistics released by the Home Office, asylum seekers going home through Assisted Voluntary Return programmes was up by 12 per cent (2,835 people) in 2009 compared with the previous year.

Refugee Action cautiously welcomed the increase in refused asylum seekers opting to access humane voluntary return programmes, rather than go through a costly and traumatic enforced removal process. But in order for voluntary return to be truly effective, refused asylum seekers and their advisors must have full confidence in the asylum decision process. Getting the asylum decision right first time, ensuring that no-one with protection needs is refused is absolutely fundamental. Access to quality legal advice is also key to ensure fair and accurate asylum decisions.

However, Refugee Action was also concerned about the low recognition rates on initial decisions for some nationalities, with only 5 per cent of Afghans receiving protection despite being the second largest nationality to apply for sanctuary in 2009. One in 5 Afghans whose appeals against negative decisions were determined in 2009 were granted protection. UNHCR figures show that Afghans applying for refuge in Canada, Belgium and Germany are more likely to receive refugee status than those applying for sanctuary in the UK.

Jill Roberts, Acting Chief Executive for Refugee Action, said: Assisted Voluntary Return programmes are undoubtedly a more humane, dignified and cost effective option compared to enforced removals which are can be extremely traumatic, especially for children. However, the success of the voluntary return programmes rests upon asylum seekers receiving a full and fair hearing of their case coupled with quality legal advice and on getting the right decisions the first time around. It is only when everyone can trust in the decision that has been made and when asylum seekers have received help and advice throughout the process that voluntary return is a much more viable option."

Refugee Action also urged the government to look at increasing grants of temporary humanitarian protection to those people who cannot be returned in the foreseeable future through no fault of their own. Cohort data from June 2009 showed that 13 per cent of people who applied for asylum that month were refused asylum but were unable to return to their countries of origin because the Home Office recognised that there were general legal barriers to removing them.

ENDS

or more information please contact Julia Ravenscroft, Press Officer at Refugee Action, on 0161 831 5454/ 07771 748 159.

Notes:

Refugee Action is an independent, national charity working to enable refugees to build new lives in the UK. We provide practical advice and assistance for newly arrived asylum seekers and support their settlement through community development work. As one of the country's leading agencies in the field, Refugee Action has 28 years' experience in pioneering innovative work in partnership with refugees and advised more than 40,000 asylum seekers and refugees last year. For more information, visit www.refugee-action.org.uk