The British government is intensifying efforts to reduce the influx of foreigners into the United Kingdom, anticipating an upcoming general election later this year.
One of its primary objectives is to curb the entry of migrants arriving via small boats, a practice that has seen tens of thousands of individuals crossing the English Channel unofficially each year. This act was criminalized in 2023.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hinted in January about the possibility of calling for an election in the latter half of this year. The current parliament must be dissolved by December 17, with polls scheduled by January 28 next year.
The asylum application process often leaves refugees in a state of limbo for years upon their arrival in the UK. For instance, an Ethiopian asylum seeker known only as Abiwot shared his experience with CNA, revealing that although his asylum claim was recently approved, he is unable to secure employment until he receives an identity card. Currently, he relies on a government allowance for sustenance.
Abiwot fled the civil war in Ethiopia in 2021, journeying to France before crossing the English Channel in a small boat to reach the UK. Despite the approval of his asylum claim, the limitations on his ability to work or move freely have made his life monotonous and restricted.
Meanwhile, migrants awaiting processing by authorities are housed in various temporary accommodations. To reduce costs, the Home Office has closed 50 hotels and plans to close more in the near future. Some asylum seekers are being relocated to larger facilities such as air bases and barges, deemed more cost-effective than hotels. The government assures that it is working closely with accommodation providers to minimize the impact on those being relocated.
However, the sudden relocation of asylum seekers, as exemplified by the abrupt evacuation of a hotel in east London with just eight days’ notice, has raised concerns. Critics describe the conditions aboard a 222-room barge, where some asylum seekers are housed, as resembling a floating prison. Incidents of violence and mental health crises have occurred, prompting warnings from experts about the detrimental effects of such environments on individuals’ well-being.
In response to these concerns, UK Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasized in Parliament in January the government’s commitment to expediting asylum processing. He noted that the total asylum backlog was at its lowest since December 2022, with significant progress made in clearing legacy asylum claims.
However, the challenges persist, with Colm McDonald, a case worker at Rama Migration Charity in Colchester, highlighting the increasing homelessness crisis towards the end of the year. He observed a significant rise in the number of clients seeking assistance, reflecting the strains on the asylum system.
Despite efforts to streamline processes and reduce backlogs, there are still around 100,000 individuals in Britain’s asylum system. The government is exploring various measures to discourage further migration, including plans to deport migrants to Rwanda. However, legal and political hurdles have complicated the implementation of this policy, with critics denouncing it as inhumane and incompatible with human rights laws. Nevertheless, with an election looming, the incumbent government is prioritizing a tough stance on migration as part of its agenda.
