24/08/2004

Home Office hails fall in asylum applications

The number of asylum applications fell by 11% between April and June this year, and is now at its lowest level since the same three months in 1997, according to government figures published today.

The 'Asylum Statistics: 2nd Quarter 2004' report and the annual 'Asylum Statistics: United Kingdom 2003' found that asylum claims have fallen by 70% since October 2002.

The annual figures also show a record number of removals in 2003. The number of failed asylum seekers who were removed or left via formal voluntary schemes rose from 10,740 in 2002 to 13,005 in 2003 - an increase of 21%. This figure rises to 29% when dependants are included.

However, the quarterly figures show a fall of 6% in removals as, following the expansion of the EU, nationals of a number of countries can now live and work in the UK. However, the average monthly rate of asylum removals, 1,045 in the second quarter of this year, remained 63% higher than in the same period for 1997, the government said.

The Home Office said that it would shortly be bringing in new measures to tackle individuals who try to prevent their removal by destroying their documents.

Home Office Minister, Des Browne, said: "The government is committed to pursuing a balanced asylum and immigration policy and today's figures show that is working. We have cut abuse and are protecting our borders while at the same time offering a haven to those genuinely fleeing persecution, and providing controlled legal routes for workers who want to make a contribution to the UK and where it is in the interests of our economy."

(gmcg)

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