Asylum backlog shock: More than 12,000 migrants seeking safe haven in Britain have waited ten years for decision on their future, data reveals
- More than 12,000 asylum seekers have been in Britain for more than 10 years
- 54,432 cases have been waiting at least three years to have their claim finalised
More than 12,000 asylum seekers have been in Britain for longer than ten years awaiting removal or a final decision on their claims, the Daily Mail can disclose.
Home Office data shows they are part of a staggering 54,432 cases who have been waiting at least three years for their refugee claims to be finalised.
Most of the 12,429 who have been here for ten years are thought to be failed asylum seekers who have exhausted their rights of appeal and are awaiting removal from Britain.
A smaller proportion of the total are waiting for a Home Office ruling or have an appeal outstanding.
Home Office data shows a staggering 54,432 cases who have been waiting at least three years for their refugee claims to be finalised
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Data obtained under freedom of information laws shows that of the 54,432 cases, 9,800 have been here for three to four years and 9,200 for five to six years.
By far the largest group is the 12,429 who have been in the UK for a decade or longer. It is not known how many of the total are receiving accommodation and subsistence from the taxpayer.
The cost of the asylum system has spiralled to £1.4billion a year.
Last month the chairman of the government’s independent Migration Advisory Committee said comparatively few asylum seekers take up the ability to enter work.
Professor Brian Bell called on ministers to grant asylum seekers the right to work much earlier, potentially after six months.
Data obtained under freedom of information laws shows that of the 54,432 cases, 9,800 have been here for three to four years and 9,200 for five to six years
But the Home Office immediately rejected the proposal.
Home Secretary Priti Patel has described the current system as ‘broken’ and says it is subject to abuse by ‘activist lawyers’ who drag cases on for years.
She is pushing through new laws to streamline the appeals process and make a host of other changes to the asylum system.
The total number of asylum cases being dealt with by the Home Office - including those lodged more recently - is more than 125,000, according to most recent figures.
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