Asylum claims ‘facing delays’

THE Home Office is struggling to keep on top of thousands of asylum claims, a report warned yesterday.

David Bolt, the chief inspector of borders and immigration, raised concern at problems caused by high staff turnover and prolonged manpower gaps at the department.

At the end of March, 20,385 cases were awaiting an initial decision – an increase of 1,530 compared to 12 months earlier.

Nearly half were considered “non-straightforward”, including those where claimants were pregnant or reported they had suffered torture.

These type of cases are not covered by a Home Office target to provide an initial decision within six months.

Mr Bolt said: “The Home Office devotes significant resources to managing asylum claims. Nonetheless, it continues to struggle to keep on top of the volumes of claims it receives.

“In 2016/17, despite the evident commitment and hard work of those involved, high staff turnover, prolonged staffing gaps and inexperience caused problems that were not easily or quickly fixed.

“As a consequence, the number of claims awaiting an initial decision rose during the year.

“The inspection also found issues with decision quality. Given the life-changing nature of asylum decisions the Home Office’s performance needs to improve.”

A Home office spokesman said: “We are not complacent and we accept the independent chief inspector’s conclusions that some changes are needed.”