Asylum seekers cannot face fast tracked deportations

In a government about turn the Home Office has admitted that Albanian asylum seekers will not be fast-tracked for deportation.

Further comment was made that the descriptive term being used to identify migrants crossing the Channel in small boats will no longer be deemed "illegal entrants", but "arriving passengers".

A pre-action letter was sent by the charity Care4Calais on behalf of Albanian migrants following the pledge by Priti Patel, the Home Secretary at the time, for the fast-track deportation of Albanians.

Seemingly, Albanians account for up to 60 per cent of the record number of migrants crossing the Channel this year. Consequently, it has now emerged that, following legal rulings, the Home Office cannot fast-track the deportation of asylum seekers.

That ability only applies to those arriving in the UK who do not claim asylum.The Government's legal response said: "Where they claim asylum, they will enter the asylum system in the usual way but where they do not, they will be examined to establish the basis on which they are seeking entry to the UK."

If it was for work or other reasons where they have no leave to enter the UK, "removal directions will be set for the next available flight". The letter furthermore stated that, as mentioned above, following court of appeal judgments, "migrants who cross the Channel in small boats who are either rescued or directed to land at designated locations by the authorities are no longer deemed to be illegal entrants but arriving passengers".

Data suggests that 53 per cent of Albanian asylum claims were accepted by the Home Office.

Whitestone Solicitors

Rochdale

0800 810 1010