UK makes changes to asylum system

Dear Sir/Madam,

I wanted to let you know of an operational change we are making to the way we manage applications for asylum and further submissions. A WMS has been published on this issue today outlining the following changes:

• Further submissions must be presented in person by the applicant
• All in-country asylum applications must be made at Croydon Asylum Screening Unit (ASU)

Further submissions in person

We believe it is appropriate for people to attend in person to submit information about their asylum claim and are extending this requirement to the further submissions of failed asylum seekers who have exhausted all avenues of appeal.

These measures will minimise the risk of fraud and ensure that applicants are clear about the information they have submitted and the next steps in the process. They are also intended to help those deserving of asylum in the UK receive it quickly and move into the workforce.

From 14 October, for those who claimed asylum before 5 March 2007, and whose case is being managed by the Case Resolution Directorate (CRD), further submissions must be made by appointment and in person at the Liverpool Further Submission Unit (previously Liverpool Asylum Screening Unit). Appointments can be made by telephone.

Those who claimed asylum on or after 5 March 2007 will need to submit further submissions in person to their regional reporting centre from 14 October. Applicants should contact their case owner for advice on how to make further submissions in their region.

As with our policy on initial applications, we recognise that in a small number of exceptional cases, individuals will be unable to travel to make further submissions in person, and alternative arrangements will be made to accommodate this.

We will aim to make a decision on any further submission before considering granting access to section 4 support. This will ensure that our support is targeted effectively and where a further submission is clearly unfounded, no access to support will be granted. We expect those whose further submission is judged to be unfounded to go home.

Alongside wider changes to process, the UKBA is introducing measures to improve the quality of submissions and the speed with which submissions are considered. Forms have been designed to help applicants clearly detail changes to their personal circumstances and case owners will use new response forms to clearly explain decisions. Legal practitioners amongst you have fed into the development of these, and we will continue to work with you to ensure effective implementation. The forms and guidance for applicants and legal practitioners can be found on the UKBA website.

Redesignation of Liverpool ASU

It is UKBA’s continued expectation that those wishing to claim asylum in the UK make their initial application at their port of entry on arrival.

As of 14 October 2009, all in-country initial asylum applications must be made at Croydon ASU, which provides a walk-in service and an appointment booking system for those wishing to plan in advance. Details of how to get to Croydon ASU and the facilities available at the unit can be accessed via the UKBA website. The unit in Liverpool will be used to receive further submissions from those applicants who claimed asylum before 5 March 2007.

Information for applicants and next steps

In order to help explain the changes in process to further submissions and in-country initial applications, the UKBA has produced two customer information leaflets in 17 languages.

I hope that you will work with us to ensure that this new process is effective. The UKBA will be engaging actively with stakeholders regarding these changes over the coming weeks and this issue will be on the agenda at pre-arranged stakeholder meetings in the coming months.

Hugh Ind
Strategic Director for Asylum
UK Border Agency