Sex offender refugees to be denied asylum in the UK
Migrants convicted of sexual offences will be unable to claim asylum in the UK under a change in the law
A change in the law is being proposed to stop migrants convicted of sexual offences being able to claim asylum in the UK, in an effort to tighten border security.
Currently, under the Refugee Convention, countries can refuse asylum to those who have committed a “particularly serious crime” who present a danger to the community.
In the UK, this is categorised as a criminal handed a prison sentence of one year or more, but ministers want to update the law to include anyone convicted of a crime that would put them on the sex offenders register, regardless of the length of their sentence.
The new measure will be introduced in an amendment to the Government’s Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill currently going through Parliament, the Home Office said.
It is hoped the move will send a clear message that sex offences are treated with the “seriousness they deserve”.
The amendment will also set a 24-week target for first-tier immigration tribunals to decide on appeals of those living in asylum seeker supported accommodation, or who are foreign national offenders, in a bid to cut the asylum backlog.
Home Secretary backs plans
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Sex offenders who pose a risk to the community should not be allowed to benefit from refugee protections in the UK.
“We are strengthening the law to ensure these appalling crimes are taken seriously.
“Nor should asylum seekers be stuck in hotels at the taxpayers’ expense during lengthy legal battles.
“That is why we are changing the law to help clear the backlog, end the use of asylum hotels and save billions of pounds for the taxpayer.”
AI to be used in asylum claims
The Home Office also announced that artificial intelligence will be used to support caseworkers processing asylum claims, such as by summarising interview transcripts and accessing country advice.
Using the technology could save caseworkers up to an hour per case, according to the department.
The Government's plans on migration
The moves come as the Government’s migration Bill plans to introduce a range of measures to crack down on people smuggling across the English Channel, and reform the asylum system.
This includes scrapping the Conservatives’ Rwanda plan, and introducing new criminal offences and handing counter terror-style powers to police and enforcement agencies to tackle the crossings.
The Home Office has also announced plans for the legislation to crack down on people posing as immigration lawyers by giving the Immigration Advice Authority powers to fine those not properly registered up to £15,000.