{ "format" : "linked-data-api", "version" : "0.2", "result" : {"_about" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?min-dateTabled=2014-04-09&min-questionFirstAnswered.=2015-03-06T14%3A07%3A13.2Z&AnsweringBody.=Home+Office&hansardHeading=Asylum", "definition" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/meta/answeredquestions.text?min-dateTabled=2014-04-09&min-questionFirstAnswered.=2015-03-06T14%3A07%3A13.2Z&AnsweringBody.=Home+Office&hansardHeading=Asylum", "extendedMetadataVersion" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?min-dateTabled=2014-04-09&min-questionFirstAnswered.=2015-03-06T14%3A07%3A13.2Z&AnsweringBody.=Home+Office&_metadata=all&hansardHeading=Asylum", "first" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=0&min-dateTabled=2014-04-09&min-questionFirstAnswered.=2015-03-06T14%3A07%3A13.2Z&AnsweringBody.=Home+Office&hansardHeading=Asylum", "hasPart" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?min-dateTabled=2014-04-09&min-questionFirstAnswered.=2015-03-06T14%3A07%3A13.2Z&AnsweringBody.=Home+Office&hansardHeading=Asylum", "isPartOf" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?min-dateTabled=2014-04-09&min-questionFirstAnswered.=2015-03-06T14%3A07%3A13.2Z&AnsweringBody.=Home+Office&hansardHeading=Asylum", "items" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1721217", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1721217/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Home Office publishes data on asylum on gov.uk as part of the \u2018Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release\u2019. Data on the number of people claiming asylum is published in table Asy_D01 of the Asylum detailed datasets. In the five years up to the end of March 2024, 333,282 people claimed asylum (including main applicants and dependants). Individuals must be in the country to apply for asylum; some will apply immediately upon arrival, but others may be in the country for a period of time before applying.<\/p>
It is not possible to estimate precisely what proportion of migrants claim asylum in the UK. However, ONS estimate that in the last 5 years, 4.82 million people immigrated to the UK for 12 months or more. This includes EU, non-EU and British nationals. It will not include people who arrive irregularly and do not claim asylum, nor short-term migrants (i.e. those coming to the UK for less than 12 months).<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/533", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Hanson of Flint"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Hanson of Flint"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-07-31", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-07-31T10:46:06.283Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-07-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Asylum"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government what proportion of migrants arriving in the UK in the past five years have tried to seek asylum.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4965", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Lawlor"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Baroness Lawlor"} ], "uin" : "HL63"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1719096", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1719096/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Individuals granted asylum have access to the labour market and to mainstream services that support their integration, including benefits and healthcare. We are working across Government to ensure these services meet the needs of all newly granted refugees.<\/p>
Support is offered from Migrant Help or their partner organisation to all individuals when they receive a decision on their asylum claim. This support includes providing advice on accessing the labour market, on applying for Universal Credit and signposting to local authorities for assistance with housing.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4369", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tom Pursglove"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Corby"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Tom Pursglove"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-05-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-05-22T13:24:33.96Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-05-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Asylum"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance his Department issues to asylum seekers on (a) housing, (b) work rights and (c) recourse to public funds once they have been granted leave to remain.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1604", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Virendra Sharma"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Ealing, Southall"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Virendra Sharma"} ], "uin" : "26868"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1718942", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1718942/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The safe third country inadmissibility process does not specify a specific timescale for an inadmissibility decision to be made. The process provides flexibility to ensure that the relevant information can be gathered by Home Office staff to make the appropriate decision. We consider it is right that officials have a reasonable opportunity to carefully examine the evidence in a case to determine whether inadmissibility action is appropriate. Where it is considered appropriate that they also have the opportunity to approach relevant third countries and enter into discussions about the person\u2019s removal before a decision is made.<\/p>
Where a claimant is under consideration of the inadmissibility policy, they are issued a Notice of Intent informing them their claim is being considered under this policy, and providing them with an opportunity to put forward any reasons why their claim should not be declared inadmissible. \u2013\u2013If they are detained, they have 7 days, if they are non-detained, they have 14 days, and additional time can be requested if necessary.<\/p>
The inadmissibility policy sets out that the process must not create a lengthy \u2018limbo\u2019 position, where a pending decision or delays in removal after a decision mean that a claimant cannot advance their asylum claim either in the UK or in a safe third country. If, taking into account all the circumstances, it is not possible to make an inadmissibility decision or effect removal following an inadmissibility decision within a reasonable period, inadmissibility action must be discontinued, and the person\u2019s claim must be admitted to the asylum process for substantive consideration.<\/p>
As a general guideline, it is expected that in most cases, a safe third country will agree to admit a person within 6 months of the claim being recorded, enabling removal soon after, subject to concluding legal challenges or other removal barriers. Therefore, we consider that there are adequate safeguards build into the policy to ensure that a claimant is not left in limbo.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4888", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Sharpe of Epsom"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Sharpe of Epsom"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-05-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-05-23T16:13:23.177Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-05-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Asylum"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the appropriate length of time before an asylum claim can be deemed inadmissible, given that current Home Office caseworker guidance states that \u201cthe inadmissibility process must not create a lengthy \u2018limbo\u2019 position, where a pending decision or delays in removal after a decision mean that a claimant cannot advance their asylum claim either in the UK or in a safe third country\".", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4922", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford"} ], "uin" : "HL4723"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1716430", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1716430/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Home Office does not routinely publish data on those who are admitted to the UK asylum system after a notice of intent has been issued.<\/p>
General data on inadmissibility is published as part of the quarterly immigration system statistics and can be found at How many people do we grant protection to? - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)<\/a>.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4497", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Michael Tomlinson"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Mid Dorset and North Poole"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Michael Tomlinson"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-05-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-05-13T10:49:06.327Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-05-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Asylum"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many individuals that have been issued a notice of intent of inadmissibility have subsequently been admitted to the asylum system since 1 January 2022.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1442", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Alistair Carmichael"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Orkney and Shetland"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Alistair Carmichael"}
], "uin" : "25181"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1716482", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1716482/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " We operate global refugee resettlement schemes, including the UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS), the Mandate Resettlement Scheme and community sponsorship. We also run Displaced Talent Mobility Initiatives which help displaced populations to access a Skilled Worker visa.<\/p> We have country specific schemes which were established in response to international crises in Afghanistan, Ukraine and Hong Kong.<\/p> For asylum seekers, there is no provision within our Immigration Rules that allows a person to travel to the UK to seek asylum or temporary refuge. Those in need of immediate protection should take the fastest route to safety and claim asylum in the first safe country they reach.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4369", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tom Pursglove"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Corby"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Tom Pursglove"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-05-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-05-13T16:30:58.817Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-05-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Asylum"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what safe and legal routes to the UK are available for (a) refugees and (b) asylum seekers as of 8 May 2024.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4437", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Anne McLaughlin"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Glasgow North East"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Anne McLaughlin"}
], "uin" : "25258"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1716019", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1716019/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " This information is not routinely published and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4369", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tom Pursglove"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Corby"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Tom Pursglove"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-05-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-05-15T15:12:31.68Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-05-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Asylum"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many asylum seekers awaiting decisions has his Department been unable to locate or contact since January 2022.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/350", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir John Hayes"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Holland and The Deepings"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Sir John Hayes"}
], "uin" : "24851"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1713632", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1713632/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The requested information cannot be accurately extracted from our internal systems. To provide this information would require a manual trawl of asylum refusal decisions and to do so would incur disproportionate cost.<\/p> It might be helpful to explain that data on asylum outcomes is published as part of the Immigration Statistics at Immigration system statistics data tables - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)<\/a>. Tab Asy_D02 of the Asylum and Resettlement tables contains data on asylum refusal decisions. Data on appeal volumes is published by HM Courts and Tribunals Service on a quarterly basis. The latest publication can be found at Tribunals statistics quarterly: October to December 2023 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)<\/a>. Table FIA_1 of the Main Tables section shows asylum and protection appeal volumes data to 31 December 2023.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4369", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tom Pursglove"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Corby"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Tom Pursglove"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-04-30", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-04-30T13:32:11.717Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-04-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Asylum"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many and what proportion of applicants refused asylum did not appeal that decision in the last 12 months.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4811", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Navendu Mishra"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Stockport"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Navendu Mishra"}
], "uin" : "23611"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1702519", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1702519/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Section 80A(5) of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 and section 6(5) of the Illegal Migration Act 2023 set out some examples of what may constitute exceptional circumstances, relevant to the substantive consideration of asylum claims and to removal under the Illegal Migration Act to s.80AA(1) listed states (respectively). These examples are neither exhaustive nor relevant to all cases, and do not purport to be.<\/p> Exceptional circumstances are not defined or limited in legislation, but will be considered and applied on a case-by-case basis where it is appropriate.<\/p> When we commence and implement the wider measures as set out in section 59 of the Illegal Migration Act 2023, we will provide updated guidance to assist caseworkers in their consideration of exceptional circumstances, and the wider provisions.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4369", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tom Pursglove"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Corby"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Tom Pursglove"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-04-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-04-29T16:23:29.12Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-04-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Asylum"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when he plans to issue his Department's guidance on the circumstances in which exceptions will be made for asylum seekers from countries on the safe list.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4518", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tulip Siddiq"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hampstead and Kilburn"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Tulip Siddiq"}
], "uin" : "22772"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1700168", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1700168/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Section 80A(5) of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 and section 6(5) of the Illegal Migration Act 2023 set out some examples of what may constitute exceptional circumstances, relevant to the substantive consideration of asylum claims and to removal under the Illegal Migration Act to s.80AA(1) listed states (respectively). These examples are neither exhaustive nor relevant to all cases, and do not purport to be.<\/p> Exceptional circumstances are not defined or limited in legislation, but will be considered and applied on a case-by-case basis where it is appropriate.<\/p> When we commence and implement the wider measures as set out in section 59 of the Illegal Migration Act 2023, we will provide updated guidance to assist caseworkers in their consideration of exceptional circumstances, and the wider provisions.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4369", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tom Pursglove"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Corby"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Tom Pursglove"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-04-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-04-17T14:26:26.873Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-04-12", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Asylum"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if his Department will issue guidance on the exceptional circumstances that would permit an asylum or human rights claim made by a national of a country listed under section 80AA of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 to be declared admissible.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4430", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Alison Thewliss"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Glasgow Central"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Alison Thewliss"}
], "uin" : "21107"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1700204", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1700204/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The UK has a proud record of providing protection for those who need it. However, there is no provision within our Immigration Rules for someone to be allowed to travel to the UK to seek asylum or temporary refuge. Whilst we sympathise with people in many difficult situations around the world, the capacity of the UK is not unlimited, and we could not possibly consider protection claims from the very large numbers of people overseas who might like to come here. Those in need of immediate protection should take the fastest route to safety and claim asylum in the first safe country they reach.<\/p> <\/p> There are several powerful reasons why allowing migrants to make applications for asylum from France and Belgium is not a viable option and could actually lead to adverse consequences.<\/p> <\/p> The responsibility for asylum seekers and refugees lies with the authorities of the country in which they are present in accordance with their international obligations \u2013 in this case France and Belgium. EU countries operate the Common European Asylum System; a framework of rules and procedures based on the full and inclusive application of the Refugee Convention. The aim of this system is not just to ensure fair and humane treatment of applicants for international protection, but also to discourage secondary movements of people once they have reached safety, acknowledging the many problems that such movements create. There is therefore no reason why an individual who is residing in France or Belgium and who needs protection should not make their claim in France or Belgium and certainly no reasons why they should make the perilous onward journey to the UK. France and Belgium are both safe countries, so the protection they seek is already available to them.<\/p> <\/p> The UK processing asylum claims in France and Belgium would also have the potential to create more harm, and actually support the smugglers. Dangerous journeys and the work of the despicable smugglers are not just confined to routes across the Channel. Vulnerable people, if they have an incentive to aim for France or Belgium as a means of entering the UK, would be encouraged to make dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean and over land to France and Belgium. It would create a new pull factor, motivating people to again entrust themselves to smugglers. Even where they may avoid the danger of a small boat, we know from heart breaking experience that journeys over land, for example in the back of lorries, can be equally as perilous. We cannot, and must not, do anything which supports the smugglers\u2019 business model.<\/p> <\/p> Our focus is on helping people directly from regions of conflict and instability, and we believe that our resettlement programmes are the best way to provide much needed support. Between 2015 and September 2023, over half a million people were offered safe and legal routes into the UK.<\/p>"}
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, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-04-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
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, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-04-12", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
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], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of allowing irregular migrants to make applications for asylum whilst still residing in (a) France and (b) Belgium.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
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