Clarke launches crackdown on asylum in five-year plan

More asylum seekers whose claims have failed will be detained
under government plans outlined today, writes Clare
Jerrom.

 
Charles Clarke

The Home Office’s five-year strategy explained that the
detention estate will be expanded with 300 new places by 2007.

The government also pledged that by the end of 2005, more failed
asylum seekers will be removed than there are unsuccessful
applicants. There will also be a closer management of asylum claims
with tighter controls being introduced throughout the system, such
as voice verification and tagging.

“We will build on our achievements with asylum, cracking
down further on those who seek to exploit our system,” said
home secretary Charles Clarke. “More claims will be
fast-tracked and we will have tighter controls throughout the
process.”

“People who are genuinely fleeing persecution will be able
to find a safe haven in this country but we will be tough on those
trying to exploit the system,” he added.

The five-year strategy also outlines plans to grant refugees
temporary leave rather than permanent status while the government
reviews whether the situation in their country has improved. If
after five years the situation has not improved, permanent status
would be granted.

The government has already reduced the number of appeals an
asylum seeker can make against a decision and this will be extended
to migration routes by abolishing appeals for those seeking to
enter the UK to study or work. There will also be a points system
for those coming to the UK to work or study.

Fixed penalty fines of £2,000 will be imposed on employers
for each illegal worker they employ.

‘Controlling our borders: making migration work for
Britain’ from www.homeoffice.gov.uk

 

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