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<p>Immigrations case-working operations have been impacted by COVID-19 and we have
continued to make decisions where we have been able to. The re-opening of case-working
offices has commenced and all teams are committed to decide applications as quickly
as possible. Information on processing times for visa applications is published as
part of the Migration Transparency data, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/migration-transparency-data.</p><p>
</p><p>Due to the digital nature of the EU Settlement Scheme, it has remained open
throughout the pandemic for customers able to apply on line using the EU Exit: ID
Document Check app.</p><p> </p><p>The current expected processing times are between
5 working days and a month but in some instances may take longer depending on the
circumstances of the case and if we need to request further information from an applicant.
The extent and length of time taken to complete these enquiries varies according to
the prevailing circumstances of each particular application. The expected processing
times are based upon current performance and can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eu-settlement-scheme-application-processing-times/eu-settlement-scheme-pilot-current-expected-processing-times-for-applications</p><p>
</p><p>Additional support is available to those EU citizens in the UK who do not have
the appropriate access, skills or confidence to apply online through Assisted Digital,
which can offer assistance over the phone.</p><p> </p><p>The Home Office takes the
wellbeing of asylum seekers extremely seriously and has already put in place a range
of measures to support asylum applicants affected by the covid-19 outbreak. In line
with the Home Office’ commitment to protect the health and wellbeing of its staff
and applicants as a top priority, Asylum Operations made the decision to cease face
to face substantive asylum interviews with effect from Thursday 19th March 2020. Asylum
Operations has continued to make decisions where there is enough information on file
to allow a decision to be made.</p><p> </p><p>The Home Office remains committed to
delivering a fair and humane asylum system and minimising delays to decision making;
our ability to interview applicants is critical that that. To keep people safe but
allow the Home Office to gather relevant information needed to make a decision on
their claim for protection, Asylum Operations have secured additional mobile digital
and video interviewing kit that enables more applicants to be interviewed remotely.
Substantive asylum interviews will restart as soon we can establish a process that
allows the participants - applicants, representatives, interpreters and interviewers
- to do so safely.</p><p> </p><p>The Home Office is committed to ensuring that claims
are considered without unnecessary delay, to ensure that individuals who need protection
are granted asylum as soon as possible and can start to integrate and rebuild their
lives, including those granted at appeal. All asylum claims lodged in the UK are care-fully
considered on a case by case basis, based on their individual merits, against a background
of relevant case law and up to date country information.</p>
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