The UK's asylum system is grappling with an unprecedented surge in appeals, as revealed by a recent analysis from the Refugee Council. The number of asylum application appeals lodged last year marked a staggering 71% increase compared to 2023, while reflecting a five-fold rise over the past two years. This influx has raised concerns that the government may be merely shifting the crisis within different parts of the system. With nearly 40,000 migrants currently residing in hotels, the financial implications are projected to reach a potential cost of £1.5 billion this year.
The Refugee Council has highlighted the government's steps to address the situation, noting that funding is being allocated for additional court days. Despite these efforts, the Ministry of Justice reported that the asylum appeals backlog reached 41,987 at the end of 2024, up significantly from 7,173 at the beginning of 2023. This backlog underscores the challenges facing the system amid increasing pressure.
Furthermore, the Home Office has made strides in expediting initial decisions, doubling the number of asylum seekers receiving verdicts on their claims. Yet, the Refugee Council has voiced concerns about the impact of recent legislative changes on decision-making processes. Following the enactment of the Nationality and Borders Act, only four out of 10 Afghans received permission to stay in the latter half of last year. Previously, almost all Afghan applicants were granted asylum. This shift highlights the difficulties many face in proving genuine refugee status under new regulations.
"Right first-time decision making will ensure refugees are given safety to go on to contribute to communities across the country and those who don't have a right to stay in the UK are removed with dignity and respect," said Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council.
Afghans represent the highest nationality accommodated in hotels, further emphasizing the strain on resources. The government remains committed to addressing these challenges, as indicated by a spokesperson.
"The asylum system we inherited was not fit for purpose, which is why we are taking urgent action to restart asylum processing and clear the backlog of cases, which will save the taxpayer an estimated £4 billion over the next two years," stated a government spokesperson.
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