Government publishes consultation on 'Reforming support for failed asylum seekers and other illegal migrants'
The Refugee Council warned yesterday that a Government consultation on failed asylum seekers has outlined proposals to make vulnerable families destitute.
Image credit: UK GovernmentYou can read the Government's consultation paper, Reforming support for failed asylum seekers and other illegal migrants, here. A separate impact assesment is available here.
The Telegraph reported that the consultation marks a "shift of tone" and reveals plans for failed asylum seekers to be re-branded "illegal migrants" and given 28 days to leave the country.
The consultation paper states: "The United Kingdom has a proud record of providing a safe haven for refugees and giving them the opportunity to make a new life here with their family and to contribute to and integrate into British society."
"But the arrangements for supporting those who have claimed asylum in the UK and would otherwise be destitute, which Parliament put in place 16 years ago, need to be rebalanced. Failed asylum seekers are illegal migrants and are no more deserving of welfare support than any other migrant in the UK unlawfully. Our focus should once again be on supporting those whose asylum claim has yet to be finally determined and who may need our protection, rather than those whose asylum claim has failed, who the courts have agreed do not need our protection and who should leave the UK."
It continues: "The grace period for failed asylum seekers who do not have dependent children is currently 21 days as set out in regulations. For asylum seekers with dependent children we would expect the grace period to be at least 28 days. We welcome views through this consultation on how long it should be."
The Refugee Council warns that under the proposals, families who fail to meet strict eligibility criteria will be left with no access to state support after 28 days, and local authorities will not be responsible for their care.
Refugee Council Policy Manager Judith Dennis said: "The Government is so keen to appear tough it's now viciously targeting vulnerable families and appears determined to take away people's ability to feed, clothe and house their children, without any independent oversight."
"There is no evidence that introducing new, cruel policies which could leave children sleeping on the streets will convince families to return to their countries of origin where they believe their lives are at risk."