| Synopsis: |
The number of asylum seekers in Britain has risen from 4223 in 1982 to 110,700 in 2002. Although the level of asylum applications has risen and fallen over the last decade, the recent trend has been one of a steep increase. There is a widespread public concern that this increase is due largely to the abuse of the asylum system by economic migrants, who are often exploited by highly organized criminal gangs. The Committee's report finds that the effectiveness of measures to ensure the removal of failed asylum seekers from the country is crucial for the credibility of the entire asylum process, but also recognizes the complexity of the problem. It highlights the importance of acknowledging that all applicants, whether genuine asylum seekers or economic migrants, are human beings rather than numbers. Recommendations are made to make the removals process more efficient and humane. It notes the need for more accurate statistics regarding the number of failed asylum seekers who remain in the country, and calls for improvements in the processing of initial decisions. Targets set by the Home Office for removals must be rational and achievable. |