The government’s efforts to deter asylum seekers from making risky journeys to the UK are commendable, but the recent asylum and returns policy may not effectively achieve this goal.
While there are some positive aspects in the proposals, such as community sponsorship to aid refugees and the swift removal of those without legal rights to stay in the UK, concerns arise regarding the impact on legitimate asylum seekers, especially refugee children who often arrive through irregular channels due to family ties or being born to refugee parents in the UK.
The proposal to reassess an individual’s asylum status every 30 months for up to two decades could potentially create a divided society, with some able to settle securely while others remain in uncertainty indefinitely.
The potential hostility stemming from proposed immigration policies might lead communities to view certain individuals as temporary guests, particularly affecting children who face the prospect of being uprooted and sent back to unfamiliar places if deemed safe by the government.
The government’s argument that these policies will reduce “pull factors” assumes that asylum seekers are well-informed about destination countries’ policies, which may not be the case. Factors like family ties, language proficiency, and diaspora communities play a more significant role in an asylum seeker’s decision-making process.
To combat human trafficking by smugglers, collaboration with neighboring countries is crucial. Following successful strategies implemented during the final months of the Biden administration, the UK could enhance cooperation with EU partners, such as expanding initiatives like the UK-France one-in-one-out pilot, to manage asylum seekers more effectively.
Moreover, exploring the use of asylum centers in France for initial refugee assessments could streamline asylum processes. However, the UK should refrain from implementing harsh or inhumane practices during any pilot programs.