UK to tighten rules on last-minute asylum claims aimed at delaying deportations

The UK government intends to amend the Immigration and Asylum Bill so that asylum claims submitted at the eleventh hour will be scrutinised for credibility, rather than automatically halting deportations. Migrants can currently avoid removal by filing a protection claim, creating a backlog of about 156,000 cases and an average wait of 72 weeks for a tribunal hearing. The new rules will require deportation-subject migrants to submit a formal claim notice with all grounds for staying, and judges will consider the timing of the filing and any supporting evidence.

Minister for Border Security and Asylum Anna Turley said the reform will close a route for abuse, speed up removals and restore order to the immigration system. The amendment also builds on existing provisions designed to expedite belated asylum applications linked to enforcement actions.