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The Refugee Council is warning that asylum seekers are in danger of being deported from the UK with such speed that they will be unable to seek legal advice or explore any legal avenues open to them.

Following the announcement by the Lord Chancellor's Department last week of changes to the asylum appeals rules, an asylum seeker whose appeal has been rejected by the Immigration Appellate Authority and who has no further right of appeal will now be notified by the Home Office rather than the IAA.

This means that the Home Office's immigration service will be able to inform asylum seekers in person and remove them immediately, or detain them for a short period, claimed the Refugee Council.

Previously the IAA decision was sent to asylum seekers, which the government claims gave them the opportunity to abscond and avoid removal from the country. Under the new rules, the Home Office will also have to inform the asylum seeker's legal representative of the appeal decision at the same time.

"We would like to know what safeguards are being put in place to ensure that no one is removed to a country where it would be unsafe for them to be returned," said Refugee Council deputy chief executive Margaret Lally. "It is crucial that provision of legal advice is made available to all asylum seekers at all points of the process including in detention centres."

But home secretary David Blunkett said the changes were "long overdue" and would avoid individuals "having a head start" and being able to "disappear".