Asylum case that dates back to 2012 Olympics

AN ASYLUM claim has still not been resolved after almost eight years, the Government has admitted.

In a written response to a parliamentary question, Home Office Minister Chris Philp said the oldest outstanding claim dates back to August 23, 2012 – just days after the London Olympics finished.

‘There are cases where more complex issues arise around a claimant’s entitlement to asylum and there is a need for us to engage in wider stakeholder involvement,’ wrote Mr Philp, who became an MP almost three years after the claim was submitted. ‘These cases continue to be processed as quickly as possible, but the Secretary of State has to be satisfied our decisions are compliant with the 1951 Refugee Convention… as this is a mandatory requirement.’

Official figures show that as of March this year, 51,906 asylum cases were awaiting an initial decision or review. Of those, 31,516 had been waiting more than six months. The UK received 35,566 asylum applications last year.