Asylum Decision Delays Persist for Small Boat Arrivals Amid Political Blame Game

The majority of individuals who reached the UK by small boat in the previous year are still pending an asylum ruling from the Home Office, according to recent statistics. Labour MP Seema Malhotra criticized the accumulation of unresolved asylum applications as evidence of the "disorder the Conservatives have created within our immigration and asylum system." Conversely, former Home Secretary James Cleverly argued that the new data indicates that the policies implemented during his tenure were effective.

By Dylan Donnelly, journalism correspondent

Thursday, August 22, 2024, 3:

Data indicates that the vast majority of individuals who arrived by small boats in the UK and sought asylum over the past year are still pending a resolution on their cases from the Home Office.

As of June 2024, according to the Home Office, 99% of individuals who arrived via small boats were noted as having filed for asylum, either as primary applicants or as dependents.

The statistics reveal that 96% of the asylum requests from individuals who arrived in small boats during that time frame remain unresolved.

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Furthermore, since 2018, 31% of individuals who have arrived via small boats, totaling 33,224 people, remain pending an asylum determination.

Immigration Minister Seema Malhotra stated that the statistics reveal the disarray the Conservatives created within our immigration and asylum system.

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Ms. Malhotra commented, "Even after investing hundreds of millions into the Rwanda initiative, the number of small boat arrivals has increased by nearly 20% in the first half of this year."

The backlog of asylum cases has surged, leading to significant costs for taxpayers amounting to billions of dollars. Additionally, the deportation of foreign national criminals has decreased by 20% since 2010

"After a 14-year tenure, their legacy is marked by unsuccessful outcomes and eroded trust among the public."

According to Home Office statistics, the count of small boat arrivals from January to June was 18% greater than during the same months in 2023, although the numbers began to decrease thereafter.

Ms. Malhotra stated that the Labour administration "will be different," highlighting the government's Border Security Command and its new returns program.

"She emphasized that while these issues cannot be resolved instantly, efforts are underway to establish an immigration and asylum system that is regulated, orderly, and beneficial for Britain."

Former UK Border Force chief Tony Smith has expressed skepticism about Labour's proposal to expand detention facilities, doubting its effectiveness in halting small boat crossings. He emphasized that the "only real solution" would be an agreement with the EU.

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The Home Office reports a decrease in

The Home Office has published figures indicating that in the year leading up to June 2024, there were 31,493 arrivals via small boats, marking a 29% decrease from the 44,460 individuals who crossed in the same manner by June 2023.

The count of "irregular arrivals" also saw a decline during the same timeframe: By June of this year, 38,784 individuals were identified, marking a 26% decrease from 2023.

Sky News employs a unique method to tally small boat crossings, aggregating the annual totals of individuals identified while traversing the English Channel in small vessels.

According to an examination of Home Office and PA data by Sky News, covering the period from the beginning of the year to August 21, there has been an increase in the incidence of small boat crossings.

As of Wednesday, the UK recorded 19,294 migrant crossings, an increase from the 18,618 documented by August 21, 2023, reflecting a rise of 676.

Despite this, James Cleverly, the shadow home secretary and ex-minister, attributed the decline in crossings to the efforts of the prior Conservative administration.

He posted on social media: "I was serious about reducing immigration. We've decreased visas, reduced arrivals by small boats, tackled the backlog, and lowered the rate of granted asylum."

"Effective communication hinges on how the message is conveyed, not merely on the words used."

Further reading: Immigration holding facilities to be reinstated amid deportation efforts. Former border head doubts plan will curb small boat arrivals.

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Decline in health and care visa applications

In the year concluding in June 2024, the number of legally granted migrations dropped: According to the Home Office, there were 286,382 visas issued to primary applicants across various work categories, marking an 11% decrease from the previous year.

The largest decline occurred in the issuance of Health and Care Worker visas, with 89,095 visas granted, marking a 26% decrease from the previous year ending in June 2024.

The number of sponsored study visas issued also saw a decline, with 432,225 visas granted, marking a 13% decrease compared to the year ending June 2023. Conversely, there was a 3% increase in the approval of temporary worker visas.

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In a recent interview, Mr. Cleverly asserted that many individuals who arrived in the UK on Health and Care Worker visas during the tenure of the previous administration did not remain employed in that sector.

"He described it as an unauthorized shortcut in our immigration system, which he deemed inappropriate," he stated.

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