The government’s recent asylum and returns policy aims to deter risky journeys to the UK by asylum seekers, but concerns remain about its effectiveness in achieving this goal.
While supporting certain aspects of the proposals, such as community sponsorship for welcoming refugees and the prompt removal of individuals without legal rights in the UK, there are apprehensions regarding the impact on legitimate asylum seekers, particularly refugee children who arrive through irregular means due to family ties or refugee backgrounds.
Criticism is directed at the proposal to reassess asylum status every 30 months for up to two decades, potentially creating a divide in society between those who can securely establish themselves and those perpetually living in uncertainty.
The government’s argument that these measures will reduce “pull factors” assumes asylum seekers are well-informed about destination countries’ policies, which may not be the case. Key influences on asylum seekers’ decisions, such as family connections, language, and existing communities, are more significant factors in determining their chosen destinations.
To address the issue of human smuggling, cooperation with neighboring countries is suggested as a solution. Drawing parallels with successful policies under the Biden administration, closer collaboration with EU partners, including expanding existing pilot programs, could help manage asylum flows more effectively.
Proposals to establish asylum centers in neighboring countries like France for initial assessments of refugee claims are recommended, emphasizing the importance of humane treatment in pilot programs.
Overall, a collaborative approach with EU countries and strategic policy implementations are seen as crucial steps in addressing the challenges posed by irregular migration and ensuring a fair and efficient asylum system.