UK Sets 24-Week Target for Asylum Appeal Decisions

The UK government introduced a 24-week target for asylum and immigration appeal decisions, effective August 12, to address lengthy waiting times and expedite the removal of individuals found to have no right to remain in the UK. The current average wait for a case to be decided is 67 weeks.

The target applies to new asylum and immigration appeals submitted to the First-tier Tribunal involving non-detained foreign national offenders (FNOs) and individuals receiving asylum support and accommodation. Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Anna Turley, stated that the existing system has been hindered by delays, which burden taxpayers.

The government noted that over 150,000 appeals are still pending. Additionally, the Immigration and Asylum Bill aims to create an Independent Immigration Appeals Authority (IIAA) to provide a faster route for appeals.

The government also plans to close all asylum hotels by the end of the current parliament, reducing costs associated with supporting asylum seekers.