In the heart of summer 2020, when a historically high number of “Small boats” (mostly inflatable boats) were entering the Channel to reach the British coast, Priti Patel had gone on the offensive: the country’s asylum system was ” broken “, a new one had to be designed, more in line with the “Take back control” (regain control) dear to the brexiters. The very radical Minister of the Interior of Boris Johnson returned on Wednesday March 24 a copy conforming to her promise, arousing the indignation of associations helping migrants and even questions from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR ).
Two classes of refugees
The new British-style asylum system, which for the moment is only a “proposal” subject to consultation – a bill will come later, assured Mr.me Patel – would introduce two classes of refugees. Those arriving in the United Kingdom by “legal routes” (negotiated between London and the UNHCR, for example), coming directly from areas in crisis (wars, famines), would have access to all the rights attached to their refugee status: family reunification, social assistance.
All the others, arriving by boat (or hidden in trucks), passing through smuggling channels, would not have the same access to aid, even if they obtain refugee status in the United Kingdom, nor the same rights to family reunification. They would be given a “Temporary protection status” for a maximum period of thirty months. However, “This status will not give them an unlimited right to stay in the country”, specified Mme Patel. “Our new system is based on firmness but also justice, not on the ability of some to afford smugglers. Those who come by these illegal routes clutter up our reception system and prevent us from taking good care of those in real need of protection ”, added the minister during a debate in the House of Commons. “Migrants who come from safe countries – European countries, including France, are safe countries – should apply for asylum in these countries. “
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Limit the possibilities of appeal
In addition to wanting to discourage “illegal” crossings, the Johnson government intends to increase controls on the age of migrants who have arrived in the country, to prevent some posing as adolescents and benefiting from easier access conditions. London also wants “Accelerate” expulsions of people who have failed to obtain refugee status and limit their possibilities of appeal to the courts. “At least three quarters of migrants [à qui a été refusé le statut de réfugié] appeal. We must put an end to this confiscated justice [par les recours] “, hammered the minister, very in verve against the lawyers putting themselves at the service of the migrants.
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