MPs Decline Suggestions for Increased Asylum Routes and Employment Opportunities

MPs have rejected proposals to widen safe pathways for asylum seekers and allow them to work in the UK if their asylum claims exceed three months for processing.

During the discussions on the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, MPs suggested various amendments to the bill.

Wishart emphasized the importance of safe pathways in preventing asylum seekers from relying on traffickers and risking hazardous Channel crossings.

“We have only heard of five Ukrainians crossing the channel irregularly. This indicates that the Ukraine safe route program is effective.

“Safe pathways undermine human traffickers. The more accessible they are, the more they will aid in dismantling the criminal networks involved in this despicable trade,” Wishart remarked.

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However, government officials and Conservative MPs opposed the amendment, expressing doubts about its feasibility and impact.

Labor MP Chris Murray mentioned that safe pathways alone will not deter illegal crossings.

“Channel crossings are a recent development. They were not prevalent five or 10 years ago when safe pathways were not available,” Murray informed fellow MPs.

Conservative MPs Matt Vickers and Katie Lam suggested that expanding safe routes could attract more asylum seekers to the UK and would not address the global displacement crisis.

Migration and citizenship minister Seema Malhotra reiterated the government’s stance that individuals in need of international protection must seek asylum in the first safe country they reach.

“That is the quickest path to safety,” Malhotra stressed.

These include the Ukraine routes, Hong Kong BN(O) visas, resettlement and relocation programs (including the Afghan initiatives), and family reunion visas.

The Afghan resettlement plan was initiated under the Conservative government in 2022 and aims to resettle up to 20,000 individuals in the upcoming years.

Vickers pointed out that over 8,000 Afghans arrived on small boats during the same year the scheme was launched, remaining the largest nationality arriving via small boats in 2023 and 2024.

“This indicates that safe and legal pathways do not necessarily eliminate small boat crossings,” Vickers stated.

It includes a new offense for endangering lives during a sea crossing to the UK, with a potential five-year prison sentence. Those involved in selling and handling boat parts suspected of being used in illegal Channel crossings could face up to 14 years in prison.

Other measures involve enhancing biometric checks overseas to better identify illegal immigrants entering the UK and barring individuals with criminal records.

Introduced to Parliament on January 30, the bill follows a record surge in the number of individuals crossing the English Channel in small boats.

Last week, a Home Office spokesperson affirmed that the government is committed to dismantling human trafficking networks.

“We are determined to end dangerous small boat crossings, which endanger lives and undermine our border security,” the spokesperson added.

Right to Work

Another amendment to the bill, put forth by Liberal Democrat MP Will Forster, aimed to enable asylum seekers to work if their asylum claims were pending for more than three months.

Forster argued that restricting asylum seekers from working increases welfare costs and prevents them from contributing to the economy, asserting that their contribution could yield up to £108.8 million annually.

However, Home Office minister Dame Angela Eagle stated that current policy already allows asylum seekers to work after 12 months, emphasizing that the primary issue is clearing the asylum backlog.

The number of cases in the asylum system has quadrupled over the past decade, from 55,814 at the end of June 2014 to 224,742 at the end of June 2024.

Government statistics reveal that 40 percent of cases are awaiting an initial decision, while others involve individuals awaiting an appeal outcome or facing deportation from the UK.

Rejecting the amendment, Eagle added that relaxing work restrictions “could lead to an increase in unfounded asylum claims,” impacting legitimate claims.

MPs also dismissed proposals introducing a humanitarian travel permit, which would enable individuals outside the UK to apply for entry clearance if they intend to seek asylum.

A three-month target for asylum decisions and authorization to track illegal immigrants using phone data were also rejected.

MPs will further scrutinize the bill’s provisions on March 18 as it progresses through the House of Commons.