Proposed changes announced to reduce the number of asylum seekers arriving in the UK (1)

By Fifty21 Media

08 Mar 2023

Proposed Immigrant Bill

The proposed Illegal Migration Bill aims to reduce the number of asylum seekers arriving in the UK, particularly those arriving by small boats across the English Channel. The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, argues that if the Bill does not become law, up to 100 million asylum seekers could qualify for refugee status or asylum in the UK. The proposed Bill would place a duty on the Home Secretary to detain and remove those arriving by small boats and other asylum seekers who enter the UK using irregular or non-legal means, such as arriving in the backs of lorries after traveling through countries where asylum could have been claimed.

The Bill would also constrain the current legal rights of asylum seekers to appeal against removal decisions or to bring human rights claims and challenges. The proposed law would further deter people from seeking refuge in the UK by imposing a lifetime ban on those who have been removed from the country under its terms, even if they turn their lives around in a third country, meet the skills eligibility criteria for a skilled worker visa or start-up visa, and want to come to the UK to reunite with family members, work hard to build a new life, and pay taxes to contribute to the UK economy.

While the Bill aims to reduce the number of asylum seekers arriving in the UK, it has also attracted criticism for the potentially harsh treatment of vulnerable individuals seeking safety and protection. It remains to be seen whether the proposed Bill will become law, and if so, how it will be implemented and its impact on asylum seekers and the UK's immigration system.

Initial Responses

The proposed Illegal Migration Bill has sparked a strong reaction from immigration solicitors and charities working with refugees and asylum seekers. The Bill aims to reduce the number of asylum claimants arriving in the UK, with a particular focus on those who arrive in small boats across the English Channel. The Bill places a duty on the Home Secretary to detain and remove those arriving in small boats and other asylum seekers who enter the UK using irregular or non-legal means. The Bill also constrains the legal rights of asylum seekers to appeal against removal decisions or to bring human rights claims and challenges.

Immigration solicitors have highlighted a number of issues with the proposed Bill. They argue that the provisions are open to legal challenge and unworkable as a deterrent, and that desperate people will still try to reach the UK in search of a better life. The government has said that the law will be backdated to avoid people rushing to the UK before the Bill becomes law, meaning that individuals could be detained and removed even if they arrive in the UK before the Bill becomes law.

Some commentators have also raised concerns about the practicalities of implementing the Bill. Exceptions to removal will be made for children under 18 or the seriously ill who are medically unfit to fly, or those at real risk of serious and irreversible harm. However, it is unclear how age testing of child claimants will work, or how claimants will be able to show that they are at real risk of serious and irreversible harm in the country they are being moved to.

The Bill has also been criticized for being xenophobic and racist, although the UK government strongly refutes these claims. Critics argue that there is little difference between being a refugee in Syria or a war-torn African country and being a Ukrainian citizen able to flee Ukraine to find safety in the UK.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made it clear that the Bill is a top priority for his government, stating that he is determined to deliver on his promise to stop the boats. However, the Bill is likely to face legal challenges from charities, immigration solicitors, and human rights lawyers.

In the meantime, individuals who need asylum, human rights, or immigration law advice are advised to seek assistance as soon as possible.

Latest news

1

HBD secures planning for £37m Lancashire industrial scheme CGI of the site

HBD secures planning for £37m Lancashire industrial scheme

08 Nov 2024

2

Harrison Drury retains place in 'Best Companies to Work For' list John Chesworth

Harrison Drury retains place in 'Best Companies to Work For' list

08 Nov 2024

3

South Ribble animal feed manufacturer eyes export growth after funded business support The Bamford team

South Ribble animal feed manufacturer eyes export growth after funded business support

08 Nov 2024

4

‘Simpler’ council structure is on the cards westminster-london.jpeg

‘Simpler’ council structure is on the cards

07 Nov 2024

5

New strategic partners revealed for Preston Partnership Preston partnership launch

New strategic partners revealed for Preston Partnership

07 Nov 2024

PC PrestonMacan GIF980x120
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
The Lancashire Festival of Business
FOB 315
Exhibitions
30 Jan 2025

The Lancashire Festival of Business

Impact Conferencing, Burnley, BB12 6QP

09:00 - 16:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
11 Jun 2024 - 04 Dec 2024

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 16:30

Skills Bootcamp in Procurement - Cohort 2
Blue-Modern-Land-Travel-Youtube-Thumbnail-2-1024x576.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
15 Oct 2024 - 17 Dec 2024

Skills Bootcamp in Procurement - Cohort 2

Community & Business Partners CIC, Blackburn, BB2 3UA

09:30 - 13:00

mBITfor transformative leadership and coaching
mBIT coach Practitioner.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Nov 2024 - 17 Nov 2024

mBITfor transformative leadership and coaching

Unlocking Possibilities training venue, 166 Waterloo Road , Blackpool, FY4 2AF

09:00 - 17:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (14).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
14 Nov 2024 - 14 Nov 2024

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

Avidly Activates UK 2024 - Activate your customer-driven sales and marketing
avidly activates audience having a good time.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
14 Nov 2024

Avidly Activates UK 2024 - Activate your customer-driven sales and marketing

Everyman Cinema, Holmes Mill, Clitheroe, BB7 1EB

10:00 - 16:00

Live Work Create: Building Community In The Modern World
Live-Work-Create-Building-Community-1024x1024.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
20 Nov 2024

Live Work Create: Building Community In The Modern World

Society1 Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

LBV119 Magazine Launch Event
DSC9389
Networking
20 Nov 2024

LBV119 Magazine Launch Event

Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe, BB7 9PT

16:00 - 18:00

North West HR Employers Forum
CBP-logo LBV.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
20 Nov 2024 - 20 Nov 2024

North West HR Employers Forum

Wham Stadium, Accrington Stanley, Livingstone Road, Accrington, BB5 5BX

09:00 - 12:00

Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone Quiz Returns for 10th Year!
Quiz Pic.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Fundraisers
21 Nov 2024 - 21 Nov 2024

Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone Quiz Returns for 10th Year!

Accrington Stanley Football Club, Accrington, BB5 5BX

17:00 - 20:30

SPARK The Apprenticeship Marketplace
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
21 Nov 2024 - 21 Nov 2024

SPARK The Apprenticeship Marketplace

University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE

09:30 - 13:00

Emergency First Aid at Work
Chamber Logo1.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Nov 2024

Emergency First Aid at Work

FGH Training, 3rd Floor, Storey House, White Cross Business Park, Lancaster, LA1 4XQ

09:00 - 05:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV118 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin