The government’s efforts to deter risky journeys to the UK by asylum seekers are commendable, but the recent asylum and returns policy may not effectively achieve this goal.
While there are positive aspects in the proposals, such as community sponsorship for welcoming refugees and the swift removal of individuals with no legal right to stay in the UK, concerns arise regarding the implications for legitimate asylum seekers, particularly those fleeing war and torture, including refugee children who arrive through irregular means due to family ties or parentage.
The plan to reassess asylum status every 30 months for up to two decades could create a divide within communities, leading to uncertainty for some individuals. This approach risks segregating people into two categories – those able to establish stable lives and those trapped in indefinite uncertainty.
The proposed immigration policies could foster hostility within communities towards perceived temporary residents, potentially affecting children the most. The idea that even children born and raised in the UK might face relocation to a country they have never known if deemed safe by the government raises significant ethical questions.
The government’s argument that these measures will reduce “pull factors” assumes that asylum seekers are well-informed about destination countries’ policies, which is often not the case. Factors like family ties, language proficiency, and existing diaspora communities play a more significant role in an individual’s decision to seek asylum.
To combat human trafficking facilitated by smugglers, collaboration with neighboring countries is crucial. Emulating successful strategies, such as the combination of border restrictions and legal pathways seen in the US under the Biden administration, could lead to a substantial decrease in irregular border crossings.
Enhanced cooperation with EU neighbors, including implementing initiatives like the UK-France one-in-one-out pilot program, inspired by successful international models, could be beneficial. Exploring the use of asylum centers in France for initial refugee assessments could also be considered, emphasizing a humane approach in asylum policies.
By prioritizing collaborative efforts and innovative approaches, the UK can address the challenges posed by irregular migration while upholding humanitarian values and respecting the rights of asylum seekers.