The Dire State of Britain's Asylum System (w/ Lou Calvey)
Oct 6, 2023
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Lou Calvey, immigration and asylum specialist, discusses the rise of small boat crossings, the large asylum backlog, and the dysfunctionality of the home office in Britain's asylum system. She emphasizes the challenges faced by asylum seekers, the need for reorganization, and the dire impact on mental health. Concerns are raised about Labour's potential policies on refugees and asylum.
The rise in small boat crossings is a result of increased border security and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the limited options for irregular travel.
The UK asylum system is facing challenges due to leadership issues, dysfunctional structures, and misguided policies, emphasizing the need for urgent reform.
A comprehensive and compassionate approach to migration and asylum should prioritize safe routes, family reunification, refugee resettlement, and addressing the root causes of poverty and conflict.
Deep dives
Increase in small boat crossings as an alternative means of irregular travel
There has been a significant rise in small boat crossings from Northern France to the UK, as traditional means of travel, such as trains and ferries, have become more difficult due to increased border security and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel. This rise in small boat crossings correlates with a decrease in other forms of irregular travel. The availability and viability of this route have become more apparent to migrants, despite the risks involved.
Challenges and inefficiencies in the UK asylum system
The UK asylum system is facing significant challenges, including a growing backlog of asylum claims, with around 175,000 people waiting for their claims to be heard. This backlog is a result of various factors, including poor leadership, dysfunctional structures within the Home Office, and misguided policies that have slowed down the decision-making process. The politicization of the Home Office and media scrutiny have further contributed to an inefficient and often cruel system. The lack of practical solutions and the negative impact on both individuals and taxpayers highlight the urgent need for reform.
The need for a comprehensive and compassionate approach
Addressing migration and asylum requires a comprehensive and compassionate approach. This includes prioritizing safe routes, family reunification, and refugee resettlement. It is important to acknowledge the drivers of migration, such as poverty and conflict, and work towards global solutions. While distinguishing between asylum seekers and economic migrants is necessary from a practical standpoint, it is crucial to address the root causes of poverty and provide opportunities for economic migration. The current hostile discourse and lack of meaningful actions undermine efforts to create a fair and effective border and migration strategy.
The Impact of Deterrence on Migration
Deterrence measures may not completely stop people from attempting irregular migration, as evidenced by the fact that even after six migrants drowned in the channel, 500 more attempted the crossing. However, it is argued that deterrence does have an effect, as the difficulty in reaching the UK through irregular means may deter some potential migrants. The availability of safe and legal routes is also highlighted as a factor, with the belief that creating more safe routes would lead to an increase in people trying to reach the UK.
The Role of Visa Access in Irregular Migration
Visa access plays a significant role in irregular migration, as the decrease in established safe routes, family reunion options, and diminishing visa access have contributed to an overall increase in irregular migration numbers. The example of a visa scheme with Ukraine is discussed, where the number of visa applications from Ukraine has been relatively small compared to the number of people fleeing Ukraine. This suggests that the majority of displaced individuals prefer to stay close to their home countries and culturally similar countries. Granting more visa access and allowing people to apply for visas could help address irregular migration challenges.
For the first episode of my series on migration I spoke to immigration and asylum specialist Lou Calvey. We discussed the rise of small boat crossings, how the asylum backlog got so large, and why the home office isn't fit for purpose. Lou brings a wealth of experience both from the policy world, and from practically supporting asylum seekers, which really came through in this interview.
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