Asylum Statistics United Kingdom 2001

Transcription

1 Asylum Statistics United Kingdom /02 Tina Heath and Rachel Hill 31 July 2002 MAIN POINTS Applications for asylum excluding dependants fell by 11% in 2001 to 71,365. The main countries of origin were Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Sri Lanka and Turkey. (Paragraphs 1, 6) Including dependants, applications to the EU, fell by 1%, compared with a 7% fall for the UK and increases for Germany, France and Austria. (Paragraphs 3,4) Initial decisions reached a record 119,015 in 2001, 9% higher than in Asylum was granted in 9% of cases and exceptional leave to remain (ELR) in 17% of cases. 74% were refused. (Paragraphs 13, 14) 38,800 applications awaiting an initial decision at the end of 2001; 56% less than a year before. (Paragraph 25) A record 43,415 appeals were determined by IAA adjudicators in % were allowed and 79% dismissed. (Paragraph 20) An estimated 42% of the applications in 2001 resulted in grants of asylum (10%) or of exceptional leave to remain (22%), or in allowed appeals (10%). (Paragraph 24) Asylum removals (including voluntary departures) rose slightly in 2001 to 9,285. (Paragraphs 35, 36) Figure 1 Number of principal applicants 80,000 APPLICATIONS (1) FOR ASYLUM IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, BY LOCATION OF APPLICATION, 1992 TO ,000 Applied in-country 60,000 Applied at port 50,000 41,700 54,380 46,160 40,000 30,000 29,555 22,670 15,915 20,000 22,600 17,205 10,000 16,930 15,050 29,455 25,935 23,345 25,210 14,410 16,590 10,230 12,440 7,675 7, (1) Excluding dependants

2 INTRODUCTION This Bulletin provides the main detailed annual statistics about asylum for 2001 and preceding years. It covers applications, decisions, appeals, asylum support, detention, removals and settlement. Statistics are included for the first time about cases received at the Oakington Reception Centre, the speed of initial decisions and appeals, and cases reconsidered by the Home Office following an initial decision. Additional detail has been provided about asylum applicants applying for or in receipt of NASS support, and on the age and gender of applicants (by nationality). This year s Bulletin also includes updated information on asylum seekers in detention and on appeal outcomes by nationality. CONTENTS Paragraphs Applications 1-10 Demographic characteristics of asylum applicants Initial decisions Asylum appeals Overall proportion of applicants granted asylum, exceptional leave, or appeal allowed 24 Asylum cases outstanding 25 Asylum applicants supported by the National Asylum Support Service Asylum applicants detained Asylum applicants received by Oakington Reception Centre Asylum applicants removed or departing voluntarily Settlement Index of tables Tables Explanatory Notes We would like to thank the following for their time and assistance: Helen Ash, Kate Ashfield, Chris Batchelor, Dee Bourke, David Brupbacher, Ralph Clarkson, Jill Dudley, Andrea Eagle, Jim Fidler, Daniel Howard, Richard Jeffries, Paul King, Hannah Lockley, Paul Lucas, David Matz and Melanie McCready. 1

3 APPLICATIONS (Tables , , and 6.1) 1. Excluding dependants, the number of asylum applications received in 2001 was 71,365, 11 per cent (8,950) less than in 2000 (80,315). This was the first annual fall for five years, following year-on-year increases of 13 per cent in 2000 and 55 per cent in The annual total 1 fell back noticeably in 1992 and 1993, increased substantially in 1994, again in 1995, then fell back in 1996, partly due to legislative changes affecting the eligibility of asylum seekers for Social Security benefits. The total then rose in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 (as did the total for the EU as a whole). 2. Including dependants the number of asylum applications was estimated to be 92,000 in 2001, 7 per cent lower than in Figure 2 120, ,000 80, APPLICATIONS (1) RECEIVED FOR ASYLUM IN SELECTED EUROPEAN COUNTRIES, 2000 and 2001 Total number of applications , ,300 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 Germany France Finland Denmark Belgium Austria (1) Estimated to include dependants where necessary. Greece Ireland Italy Luxembourg Netherlands Norway Portugal Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom 3. Including dependants, asylum applications to European Union countries fell slightly in 2001, by 1 per cent. The level of applications to the European Union has stayed fairly flat since In addition to the UK, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal each recorded a fall in applications received in 2001 compared with 2000; whilst the other eight member states each recorded an increase. 4. In particular, applications to Austria increased by 65 per cent and to France by 22 per cent while applications to Belgium fell by 43 per cent and applications to Italy almost halved. Applications to Germany increased this year by 12 per cent but still remained lower than in the UK; Germany received 20 per cent of all asylum applications recorded in Western Europe, while the UK received the most applications of any one country with 21 per cent. However, when the relative size of domestic populations is taken into account, the UK ranks 10 th amongst European countries in terms of asylum seekers per head of population slightly below 2000 s 9 th position. 1 These figures exclude South East Asian refugees, who are dealt with under special arrangements, and applications made overseas for entry clearance to seek asylum in the UK (see Explanatory Notes 7 and 24). 2

4 5. The proportion of applications made in-country (that is by people who had already entered the UK) rather than on arrival was 65 per cent in 2001, compared with 68 per cent in 2000 and 59 per cent in The main nationalities of applicants in 2001 were Afghan (13 per cent), Iraqi (9 per cent), Somali (9 per cent), Sri Lankan (8 per cent) and Turkish (5 per cent). Compared with 2000, large increases occurred in the number of applications from nationals of Afghanistan (rising from 5,555 to 9,000), Somalia (from 5,020 to 6,465) and Zimbabwe (from 1,010 to 2,115). On the other hand, there were large falls in the number of applications received from nationals of FRY (falling from 6,070 to 3,190), and Iran (from 5,610 to 3,415). 7. A third of all applications in 2001 were from Asian nationals, 29 per cent were from African nationals, 20 per cent were from European nationals and 16 per cent were from nationals of the Middle East. Figure 3 Number of principal applicant s ASYLUM APPLICATIONS (1) BY AREA, 2000 AND ,000 25,000 22,880 20, ,230 23,550 Total number of applications , ,365 20,000 17, ,000 14, , , ,000 5,000 1, , (1) Excluding dependants. (2) Includes Americas. Europe Africa Asia Middle East Other (2) Unaccompanied children (Table 2.3) 8. In 2001, 3,469 unaccompanied children, aged 17 or under, applied for asylum in the United Kingdom, a 27 per cent increase on 2000 (2,733). Of these 3,469 applications, 1,647 were made at port 2 and 1,822 in country 3. The main countries of origin were Afghanistan (19 per cent), FRY (13 per cent), Somalia (6 per cent) and Iraq (5 per cent). 2 3 Based on electronic sources for September to December May exclude some cases lodged at Local Enforcement Offices. 3

5 Dependants of applicants (Tables 1.2 and 6.1) 9. An estimated 14 per cent of principal applicants applying for asylum in 2001 were accompanied or subsequently joined (prior to the initial decision 4 ) by one or more dependants. This proportion was slightly higher than in 2000 (10 per cent), but at a similar level to previous years. Approximately 6 per cent of applicants in 2001 were accompanied or subsequently joined by one dependant, 4 per cent by two dependants, and 5 per cent by three or more dependants. These proportions have been fairly consistent over the past decade. 10. The total number of dependants in 2001, accompanying or subsequently joining principal applicants prior to a decision being made, is estimated at just over 20,600 compared with just over 18,500 in 2000, and nearly 20,100 In Including these dependants, total applications in 2001 are estimated at 92,000, 6,900 (7 per cent) less than in DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF ASYLUM APPLICANTS (Tables 5.1 and 5.2) 11. The majority of principal applicants in 2001 were between 18 and 34 years old (just over two thirds), with just 3 per cent aged 50 or older. Approximately 78 per cent of principal applicants in 2001 were male, compared with 81 per cent in 2000 and 67 per cent in Over three-quarters of both male and female applicants in 2001 were less than 35 years old, a similar proportion to per cent of female applicants were aged 50 or over, compared with just 3 per cent of men. Figure 4 APPLICATIONS FOR ASYLUM IN THE UNITED KINGDOM BY AGE, to 29 25% 30 to 34 15% 35 to 39 9% 21 to 24 19% 20 or under 22% 40 to 49 7% 50 to 59 2% 60 and over 1% 12. Four fifths of initial decisions made in 2001 were on cases where the principal applicant was male. 9 per cent of these cases were granted asylum (compared with 13 per cent for cases where the principal applicant was female). The ELR rate was 17 per cent for men and 16 per cent for women; correspondingly the refusal rate was slightly lower for women (72 per cent compared with 74 for men). 4 See Explanatory Note 21. 4

6 Figure 5 APPLICATIONS FOR ASYLUM IN THE UNITED KINGDOM BY AGE AND GENDER, 2001 Females aged under 35 17% Females aged 35 and over 5% Males 78% Females 22% M ales aged under 35 64% M ales aged 35 and over 14% INITIAL DECISIONS (Tables , , ) ,015 initial decisions were made on asylum applications in 2001, 9 per cent more than the 109,205 made in 2000, and the most initial decisions ever made in a year. Initial decisions are sometimes re-considered for a number of reasons 6 and Table 1.1 shows the outcomes for 2000 and 2001, taking account of such re-considerations (Table 1.2 and later tables show the outcomes of initial decisions). 8,680 initial decisions made in 2000 were re-considered, the majority (7,520) in ,470 initial decisions made in 2001 were also re-considered in the same year. The initial decision was confirmed in the majority of cases, but there were around 1,700 additional grants of asylum, and 1,300 additional grants of ELR following re-consideration. The numbers of cases re-considered has fallen significantly from the start of 2001 onwards. This is as a result of process changes introduced at the end of Of the initial decisions made in 2001, 11,180 (9 per cent) were to recognise the applicant as a refugee and grant asylum. 19,845 initial decisions (17 per cent) granted exceptional leave to remain (ELR). 87,990 initial decisions (74 per cent) refused both asylum and ELR. The proportion granted asylum in 2001 was slightly lower than the 11 per cent in 2000, and the proportion granted ELR was higher than the 12 per cent recorded in each of the previous three years. 5 6 Information is of initial decisions so excludes the outcome of appeals or other subsequent decisions. See Explanatory Note 6. 5

7 Figure 6 INITIAL DECISIONS (1) MADE ON ASYLUM Number of principal applicants APPLICATIONS, 1993 TO , ,000 80,000 Refused under the backlog criteria(2) Refused on grounds of non-compliance Refused asylum after full consideration, or on safe third country grounds Not recognised as a refugee but granted exceptional leave Granted leave under the backlog criteria(2) Grants of asylum 60,000 40,000 20, (1) Excluding dependants. (2) Cases decided under pragmatic measures aimed at reducing the pre-96 asylum backlog. 15. The number of grants of asylum to African nationals fell by a quarter to 4,760 - mainly due to a fall of 46 per cent in grants of asylum to nationals of Somalia. The number of grants of asylum to European nationals also fell. The number of grants of asylum made to Asian nationals more than doubled - due to increases in grants of asylum to Afghans (by six-fold) and Sri Lankans by 57 per cent. Grants to nationals from the Middle East also rose (by 13 per cent). Figure 7 Number of principal applicants 7,000 6,000 RECOGNISED AS A REFUGEE AND GRANTED ASYLUM, UNDER NORMAL PROCEDURES, BY AREA, 2000 AND 2001 (1) 6, Total number of grants , ,180 5,000 4,000 4,760 4,035 3,000 2,000 1,545 1,350 1,520 1, (1) Initial decision only (2) Includes Americas 705 Europe Africa Asia Middle East Other (2)

8 16. The main nationalities to be granted ELR in 2001 were Afghans (61 per cent of initial decisions for Afghans were to grant ELR, making up over a third of all grants of ELR), nationals of FRY and Somalia (10 per cent each) and Iraqis (9 per cent). Figure 8 Number of principal applicants 9,000 NOT RECOGNISED AS A REFUGEE BUT GRANTED EXCEPTIONAL LEAVE, UNDER NORMAL PROCEDURES, BY AREA, 2000 AND 2001 (1) ,375 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,560 6,020 Total number of grants , ,845 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1, , ,925 Europe Africa Asia M iddle East Other (2) (1) Initial decision only (2) Includes Americas 1, ,990 cases were refused in 2001, 16 per cent more than the 75,680 in 2000, although the overall refusal rate fell to 74 per cent in 2001 from 78 per cent in Nationals of FRY accounted for 10 per cent of those refused substantively in 2001, nationals of Sri Lanka for 9 per cent and nationals of Turkey for 8 per cent. Noncompliance refusals (for failure to provide evidence to support the asylum claim, for example including failure to appear for an interview to establish their identity) accounted for 21,220 refusals in representing a fifth of total refusals - compared with nearly a third in ,810 2, Figure 9 Number of principal applicants 31,145 30,000 25,000 20,000 27,580 REFUSED ASYLUM AND EXCEPTIONAL LEAVE AFTER FULL CONSIDERATION, UNDER NORMAL PROCEDURES, BY AREA, 2000 and 2001 (1) 20, ,600 24,695 Total number of refusals , ,990 15,000 10,000 11, , ,000 5,9 75 5,175 2, (1) Initial decision only (2) Includes Americas Europe Africa Asia M iddle East Other (2)

9 Timeliness of Initial Decisions 18. The latest provisional data 7 indicate that 53 per cent of applications 8 received in the period April to December 2001, inclusive, had initial decisions reached and served within two months 9. The data are subject to revision following the results of further data cleansing. ASYLUM APPEALS (Tables ) In 2001, 74,365 asylum appeals were received by the Home Office, a sixty per cent increase on the previous year 11 reflecting the record levels of initial decisions made from September 2000 to March During 2001, 47,905 appeals were prepared for hearing by the Home Office and passed to the Immigration Appellate. This compares with a total of 28,935 in Adjudicators determined 43,415 asylum appeals in 2001, more than double the amount determined in the previous year. Of the appeals determined in 2001, 8,155 (19 per cent) were allowed, 34,440 (79 per cent) were dismissed and the remainder were withdrawn or abandoned. This compares with 17 per cent allowed and 80 per cent dismissed in Figure 10 Number of determinations 35,000 OUTCOME OF ASYLUM APPEALS SENT TO THE ADJUDICATOR, ,440 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 8,155 5,000 0 Allowed Dismissed Withdrawn Source: A-CID as at 17 May IND s target for 2001/02 is to reach and serve initial decisions on 60 per cent of applications. These exclude 3rd country cases which may be the responsibility of other EU member states under the terms of the Dublin Convention. Details of government targets relating to the proportion of decisions served within two months are provided in the 2000 Spending Review Public Service Agreements White Paper available from Two months is defined as 61 days. See Explanatory Note 9. Figures for 2000 were based on manual counts while figures for 2001 have been derived from electronic sources. 8

10 21. 15,540 applications for leave to appeal to the Immigration Appellate Tribunal were submitted in 2001 over two and a half times more than Around a third of applications for leave to appeal to the Tribunal are successful. The Tribunal determined 3,190 appeals in 2001, representing a 21 per cent increase on the previous year. The majority (70 per cent) of appeals brought by appellants were dismissed ,210 applications for leave to move for Judicial Review in asylum related cases were lodged in 2001, compared with 1,920 in Of the 2,300 decisions made on applications for leave to move, 13 per cent were granted leave to move. Of the judicial review hearings determined, 68 per cent were allowed and 16 per cent dismissed in 2001 (the remainder being withdrawn). However, the allowed figure includes cases in which the Home Office conceded the case. Timeliness of Appeal Decisions 23. The latest provisional data 12 indicate that 43 per cent of appeals received by the IAA in the period April to December 2001, inclusive, were determined within 17 weeks (including those appeals also dealt with by the second tier of the IAA). OVERALL PROPORTION OF APPLICANTS GRANTED ASYLUM, EXCEPTIONAL LEAVE OR APPEAL ALLOWED 24. It is estimated that around four in ten (42 per cent) of applications in 2001 resulted in the granting of asylum (10 per cent) or of exceptional leave to remain (22 per cent) or in appeals which were allowed by the IAA adjudicators (a further 10 per cent). (NB based on cases where data are available, around 77 per cent of refusals of applications made in 2001 resulted in an appeal; and around a fifth of appeals are allowed.) This estimate includes allowance for the outcomes of cases which are reconsidered 6, excludes cases withdrawn at the initial decision stage, and is an estimate because a proportion of applications made in 2001 is still awaiting the outcome of an initial decision or the outcome of an appeal. ASYLUM CASES OUTSTANDING (Tables 1.1, ) 25. As at 31 December 2001, an estimated 38,800 asylum applications were awaiting an initial decision. This was a fall of 49,800 in 2001 to less than half the level at the end of 2000 (56 per cent fall). 12 Source: IAA database IRIS as at 20 May The IAA s target for 2001/2 is to clear 65 per cent of all asylum cases through both appellate tiers within 4 months. This is a Court Service target for the current year, but is a formal Service Delivery Agreement for next year (2002/3), as described within the Lord Chancellor s Department Service Level Agreement, at Due to the nature of the target, 17 weeks has to elapse from the date of receipt of an appeal before it can be reported on. 9

11 ASYLUM APPLICANTS SUPPORTED BY THE NATIONAL ASYLUM SUPPORT SERVICE (Tables ) 26. In 2001, the National Asylum Support Service received 57,620 applications for asylum support from asylum seekers in the UK. Of these, 32,095 were applications for accommodation support (either both accommodation and subsistence or accommodation only) and 20,535 were for subsistence only support. The remainder (4,990) were either applications that were deemed invalid or applications where the type of support has not been identified. 27. In 2001, 10,825 family groups and 46,795 single adults applied for support from the National Asylum Support Service. 62 per cent of family groups applied for accommodation support compared with 54 per cent of single adults. The top three nationalities applying for support were Afghanistan (7,800 applications), Iraq (6,340) and Somalia (5,590). Figure 11 Number of principal applicants 10,000 APPLICATIONS FOR NASS SUPPORT BY SUPPORT TYPE AND CONTINENT ARRIVED FROM, 2001 Subsistence only Support including accommodation Unknown support type 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 (1) Includes Americas. Europe Africa Asia Middle East Other (1) 28. As at the end of December 2001, 65,635 asylum seekers (including dependants) were being supported by the National Asylum Support Service. 40,325 asylum seekers (including dependants) were being supported in NASS accommodation and 25,310 were receiving subsistence only support. The majority of asylum seekers (71 per cent) receiving subsistence only support were located in Greater London, with the next largest region being the South Central Region (which includes Kent and Sussex) and is the location of 12 per cent of asylum seekers receiving subsistence only. 29. Asylum seekers supported in NASS accommodation are dispersed throughout the UK. At the end of December 2001, the top three dispersal regions in England were Yorkshire and Humberside (8,470 asylum seekers, including dependants), the North West (8,155) and the West Midlands (6,930) and the top three towns in England were Birmingham (3,010), Manchester (2,345) and Liverpool (1,645). Asylum seekers are also 10

12 dispersed to Scotland and Wales and are accommodated in Northern Ireland if they apply for asylum in Northern Ireland. Figure 12 REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF ASYLUM SEEKERS SUPPORTED IN NASS ACCOMMODATION, AS AT THE END OF DECEMBER 2001 Sout h West 2% West Midlands 17% Yorkshire & Humberside 21% Northern Ireland 0% Sout h Central 2% Scot land 12 % North West 20% Wales 2% East M idlands 8% North East 12 % Greater London 4% East of England 1% ASYLUM APPLICANTS DETAINED (Tables 9.1 and 9.2) 30. On 29 December 2001, there were 1,280 persons being detained solely under Immigration Act powers who had sought asylum at some stage, constituting 83 per cent of all Immigration Act detainees. The majority (55 per cent) were being held in Immigration Removal Centres, with 23 per cent being held at the dedicated Immigration Service wings at HMP Haslar, HMP Lindholme and HMP Rochester, 18 per cent at Oakington Reception Centre, 3 per cent at other prison establishments, and 1 per cent at Immigration Short Term Holding Facilities. 31. The largest nationalities of asylum detainees were Zimbabwean (135 detainees), Nigerian (100) and Pakistani (100). 89 per cent of asylum detainees were male. Excluding detainees at Oakington, 41 per cent of asylum detainees had been in detention for less than one month, 18 per cent for between one and two months, 18 per cent for between two and four months, and 23 per cent for more than four months. ASYLUM APPLICANTS RECEIVED BY OAKINGTON RECEPTION CENTRE (Tables 10.1 and 10.2) 32. 9,125 asylum applicants were received by Oakington Reception Centre during 2001, of which an initial decision was made on 8,330 (91 per cent). 660 cases were taken out of the Oakington fast track process 13 and 80 applications were withdrawn Cases may be taken out of the Oakington fast track process if more complex issues emerge, which were not apparent at the initial screening stage, necessitating additional enquiries which cannot be conducted within the Oakington timescales, or when it is decided that for whatever reason, the applicant is no longer suitable for 11

13 33. Of the 8,330 cases decided, 99 per cent were refused, 1 per cent were granted asylum and less than 1 per cent were granted ELR. Of the cases refused, 92 per cent (7,600) lodged an appeal. 5,890 cases have received an appeal outcome, of which 12 per cent of appeals were allowed, 80 per cent dismissed, and 8 per cent withdrawn. 34. Overall, the level of intake increased in 2001 compared with 2000, when 3,000 cases were received in Oakington s first nine months in operation (Oakington has received cases since 21 March 2000). The top five applicant nationalities received at Oakington Reception Centre during 2001 were Chinese (15 per cent), Zimbabwean (14 per cent), Iraqi (11 per cent), Indian (8 per cent) and Czech (8 per cent). The top five applicant nationalities received at Oakington Reception Centre during March to December 2000 were Chinese (15 per cent), Albanian (13 per cent), Czech (13 per cent), FRY (12 per cent) and Romanian (10 per cent). ASYLUM APPLICANTS REMOVED OR DEPARTING VOLUNTARILY (Table 11.1) 35. Provisionally, 9,285 principal asylum applicants in 2001 were removed from the United Kingdom, or departed voluntarily, an increase of 3 per cent on The number of port applicants removed was 4,175, a decrease of a quarter (23 per cent) on the previous year. The number of in-country removals rose by 38 per cent to 4,130. A further 980 principal applicants left under Assisted Voluntary Return Programmes run by the International Organisation for Migration, an increase of over three-quarters (78 per cent) on The largest nationalities of principal applicants removed or departing voluntarily in 2001 were estimated to be Former Yugoslavian (1,780), Czech (800) and Polish (605). Figure 13 Number of principal applicants 10,000 REMOVALS AND VOLUNTARY DEPARTURES OF ASYLUM APPLICANTS (1), 1993 TO ,980 9,285 8,000 7,165 6,990 7,665 6,000 4,820 4,000 3,170 2,000 1,820 2, (2) (1) Excluding dependants. (2) Figure for 2001 excludes 1,495 dependants of asylum seekers removed in the period April to December Data on dependants removed have only been collected since April fast track processing. These cases are then considered in the same way as they are for any other claims for asylum. In a further 50 cases no final confirmation of a decision had been made when these statistics were compiled. 12

14 36. These figures exclude 1,495 dependants of asylum seekers who were removed in the period April 2001 to December Data on dependants removed have only been collected since April SETTLEMENT (Table 12.1) 37. The latest available information on asylum-related settlement is for the year In this year 45,120 people, including dependants, were accepted for permanent settlement in the United Kingdom, either following recognition as refugees or under exceptional leave arrangements 15. This was 6,460 higher than in 1999 and the levels in both years were much higher than previously (12,630 in 1998). The 2000 figures reflected the high number of grants in 2000 combined with procedural changes introduced during 1998 whereby those people granted full refugee status are, together with their dependants, immediately accepted for settlement In addition, there was also a significant increase in the total number of spouses and dependants granted settlement in The number of grants were almost 32,000 higher than 1998, at 84,900 (comprising nearly 70 per cent of total settlement). It is likely that this figure includes a substantial proportion of dependants of asylum seekers who were granted settlement after the asylum seeker, although it is not possible to separately identify this group of people. 39. Excluding dependants, there was a rise of 2,330 to 24,835 in asylum-related settlement in The largest rises were of 4,620 from Africa (mainly Somalia, Ethiopia and Uganda) and 1,355 from Asia excluding the Indian sub-continent (mainly Sri Lanka and the Middle East). This was partly offset by falls of 3,460 to 3,890 from Europe (mainly Turkey and the former Yugoslavia) and of 235 to 535 from the Indian sub-continent. Further information is provided in the Home Office Statistical Bulletin Control of Immigration Statistics: United Kingdom, 2000 (HOSB 14/01), Table 3.3 available at The 2001 Bulletin is due to be published in the autumn See Explanatory Note 5. See Explanatory Note

15 INDEX OF TABLES Table Summary Tables 1.1 Applications, decisions and other information for those applying for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, by main geographical areas, 1993 to Applications received for asylum in the United Kingdom, decisions and percentages, 1991 to Initial decisions on applications received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, by type, 1991 to 2001 Applications received for asylum 2.1 Applications received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, by nationality, 1993 to Applications received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, by nationality and location where made, 1998 to Unaccompanied children, aged 17 or under, applying for asylum in the United Kingdom, by nationality, 1998 to Applications received for asylum in Europe, including dependants, by year of application, 1993 to 2001 Initial decisions made on applications received 3.1 Cases recognised as refugees and granted asylum, excluding dependants, by nationality, 1993 to Cases not recognised as refugees but granted exceptional leave, excluding dependants, by nationality, 1993 to Refusals of asylum and exceptional leave, excluding dependants, by nationality, 1993 to 2001 Applications and initial decisions 4.1 Applications received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, and initial decisions by nationality,

16 4.2 Applications received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, and initial decisions, by nationality, 2001 Applications and initial decisions by age and gender 5.1 Applications received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, by nationality, age and gender, Initial decisions in 2001 on applications received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, by nationality and gender Asylum applicants by number of dependants 6.1 Principal applicants and dependants, and percentages with dependants, 1993 to 2001 Asylum appeals 7.1 Appeals determined by adjudicators of the Immigration Appellate Authority, excluding dependants, 1994 to Further appeals to the Tribunal, decisions, and the outcome of Tribunal Hearings, excluding dependants, 7.3 Applications for Judicial Review, and outcomes, excluding dependants, 1994 to Outcome of appeals under the 1993, 1996 and 1999 Acts determined by adjudicators of the Immigration Appellate Authority, excluding dependants, by nationality, 2001 Asylum applicants supported by the National Asylum Support Service 8.1 Summary of applications for support and other information for those applying for National Asylum Support Service support, in the United Kingdom, in 2000 and Applications for National Asylum Support Service Support, excluding dependants, by nationality and type of support applied for in 2000 and National Asylum Support Service applicants and dependants and percentages with dependants, in 2000 and

17 8.4 As at the end of December 2001, the number of asylum seekers (including dependants) in receipt of subsistence only support from the National Asylum Support Service, by region of the United Kingdom 8.5 As at the end of December 2001, the number of asylum seekers (including dependants) supported in National Asylum Support Service accommodation, by cluster area and region of the United Kingdom 8.6 Asylum seekers (including dependants) supported by the National Asylum Support Service by nationality and support received as at end December Regional distribution of NASS supported asylum seekers (including dependants) by nationality, as at end December 2001 Asylum applicants detained 9.1 Persons recorded as being in detention in the United Kingdom solely under Immigration Act powers as at 29 December 2001, by gender, length of detention and place of detention 9.2 Persons recorded as being in detention in the United Kingdom solely under Immigration Act powers as at 29 December 2001, by nationality Cases accepted at Oakington Reception Centre 10.1 Cases accepted at Oakington Reception Centre, of which initial decisions made and appeals lodged, 2000 and Cases accepted at Oakington Reception Centre by nationality, 2000 and 2001 Removals and voluntary departures 11.1 Removals and voluntary departures of asylum applicants, excluding dependants, by nationality, 1998 to 2001 Acceptances for settlement 12.1 Grants of settlement as refugees, and under exceptional leave arrangements, 1990 to

18 1. Summary Tables Table 1.1 Applications, decisions and other information for those applying for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, 1993 to 2001 (1) Number of principal applicants (P) Applications received (2) 22,370 32,830 43,965 29,640 32,500 46,015 71,160 80,315 71,365 of which: Applied at port 7,320 10,230 14,410 12,440 16,590 23,345 29,455 25,935 25,210 Applied in-country 15,050 22,600 29,555 17,205 15,915 22,670 41,700 54,380 46,160 Initial decisions in year (3) 23,405 20,990 27,005 38,960 36,045 31,570 33, , ,015 Cases reconsidered (year of outcome) (4) 1,160 9,990 Decisions (year of outcome) (5) 23,405 20,990 27,005 38,960 36,045 31,570 33, , ,200 Granted asylum (5) (6) 1, ,295 2,240 3,985 5,345 7,815 10,605 12,610 Granted exceptional leave to remain (5) (6) 11,125 3,660 4,410 5,055 3,115 3,910 2,465 11,475 21,175 Refused asylum and ELR (5) (6) 10,690 16,500 21,300 31,670 28,945 22,315 11,025 67,910 92,420 Granted asylum % (5) (6) (7) (4) (5) (6) (11) (17) (36) (12) (10) Granted ELR % (5) (6) (48) (17) (16) (13) (9) (12) (12) (13) (17) Refused asylum and ELR % (5) (6) (46) (79) (79) (81) (80) (71) (52) (75) (73) Granted asylum or exceptional leave under backlog criteria (7) 11,140 10,325 Refused under backlog criteria (7) 1,275 1,335 Applications withdrawn (5) 1,925 2,390 2,565 2,925 2,065 1, ,760 2,495 Adjudicator Appeals Appeals received by the Home Office 10,580 14,035 22,985 20,950 14,320 6,615 46,190 74,365 Appeals determined by the IAA 2,440 7,035 13,790 21,090 25,320 19,460 19,395 43,415 Of which appeals allowed ,180 2,355 5,280 3,340 8,155 appeals allowed % (4) (3) (4) (6) (9) (27) (17) (19) Total granted asylum, ELR, or appeal allowed (year of outcome) (5) 4,580 5,935 7,810 8,280 11,610 26,705 35,745 41,940 Removals and voluntary departures (8) 1,820 2,220 3,170 4,820 7,165 6,990 7,665 8,980 9,285 Cases awaiting outcome (At end of year) Initial decision (9) 45,805 55,255 69,650 57,405 51,795 64, ,700 88,600 38,800 Grants of settlement As recognised refugees 2,845 2, ,115 2,405 4,270 With exceptional leave 1,145 1, ,080 2,425 2,405 Total 3,990 3,285 1,595 4,195 4,830 6,680 22,505 24,835 (1) Figures (other than percentages) rounded to the nearest 5, except for cases awaiting outcome which are rounded to the nearest 100. (2) May exclude some cases lodged at Local Enforcement Offices between January 1999 and March (3) Data on outcomes of initial decisions provided at Table 1.2. (4) Cases reconsidered for which initial decision in 2000 or Outcomes related to date of reconsideration. See Explanatory Note 6. (5) Includes outcomes of cases reconsidered for which initial decision in 2000 or Outcomes related to date of reconsideration. See Explanatory Note 6. (6) Cases considered under normal procedures. Data for 2000 may include some cases decided under the backlog criteria. See Explanatory Note 16. (7) Cases decided under measures aimed at reducing the pre 1996 asylum application backlog. See Explanatory Note 16. (8) Includes persons departing 'voluntarily' after enforcement action had been initiated against them, and persons leaving under Assisted Voluntary Return Programmes run by the International Organisation for Migration. Figures for 1999 to 2001 may include a small number of dependants leaving under Assisted Voluntary Return Programmes. (9) Data for 1998 and earlier years are not directly comparable with figures for later years. (P) Provisional figures.

19 1. Summary Tables Table 1.2 Applications (1) received for asylum in the United Kingdom, initial decisions and percentages, 1991 to 2001 Excluding dependants (P) Applications received (2) 44,840 24,605 22,370 32,830 43,965 29,640 32,500 46,015 71,160 80,315 71,365 Initial decisions (3) Total 6,075 34,900 23,405 20,990 27,005 38,960 36,045 31,570 33, , ,015 Recognised as a refugee and granted asylum (4) 505 1,115 1, ,295 2,240 3,985 5,345 7,815 10,375 11,180 Not recognised as a refugee but granted exceptional leave 2,190 15,325 11,125 3,660 4,410 5,055 3,115 3,910 2,465 11,495 19,845 Refused asylum and exceptional leave (5) 3,380 18,465 10,690 16,500 21,300 31,670 28,945 22,315 11,025 75,680 87,990 Granted exceptional leave under backlog criteria (6)(7) 11,140 10,325 Refused on non-compliance grounds under backlog criteria (6)(8) 1,275 1,335 Percentages of initial decisions considered under normal procedures (9) Total (100) (100) (100) (100) (100) (100) (100) (100) (100) (100) (100) Recognised as a refugee and granted asylum (4) (8) (3) (7) (4) (5) (6) (11) (17) (36) (11) (9) Not recognised as a refugee but granted exceptional leave (36) (44) (48) (17) (16) (13) (9) (12) (12) (12) (17) Refused asylum and exceptional leave (5) (56) (53) (46) (79) (79) (81) (80) (71) (52) (78) (74) Granted exceptional leave under backlog criteria (6)(7) (90) (89) Refused on non-compliance grounds under backlog criteria (6)(8) (10) (11) Applications withdrawn 745 1,540 1,925 2,390 2,565 2,925 2,065 1, ,720 2,160 Including dependants (10) Applications received (2) 73,400 32,300 28,000 42,200 55,000 37,000 41,500 58,500 91,200 98,900 92,000 Initial decisions (3) Total 9,140 59,050 36,890 27,755 35,195 49,350 48,530 42,905 45, , ,410 Recognised as a refugee and granted asylum (4) 800 1,900 2,860 1,395 2,200 3,660 6,210 8,245 10,405 12,135 14,410 Not recognised as a refugee but granted exceptional leave 2,950 21,680 15,480 5,445 6,780 7,510 4,740 6,455 4,640 12,645 25,580 Refused asylum and exceptional leave (5) 5,390 35,480 18,550 20,915 26,220 38,180 37,585 28,205 13,915 92, ,420 Granted exceptional leave under backlog criteria (6)(7) 15,195 14,045 Refused on non-compliance grounds under backlog criteria (6)(8) 1,690 1,775 Percentages of initial decisions considered under normal procedures (9) Total (100) (100) (100) (100) (100) (100) (100) (100) (100) (100) (100) Recognised as a refugee and granted asylum (4) (9) (3) (8) (5) (6) (7) (13) (19) (36) (10) (9) Not recognised as a refugee but granted exceptional leave (32) (37) (42) (20) (19) (15) (10) (15) (16) (11) (17) Refused asylum and exceptional leave (5) (59) (60) (50) (75) (74) (77) (77) (66) (48) (79) (74) Granted exceptional leave under backlog criteria (6)(7) (90) (89) Refused on non-compliance grounds under backlog criteria (6)(8) (10) (11) Applications withdrawn 880 1,795 2,325 2,875 3,060 3,865 3,105 1, ,080 2,785 (1) Figures rounded to the nearest 5. (2) 1999 figures may exclude some cases lodged at Local Enforcement Offices. (3) Decision figures up to and including 1991 may understate: see Explanatory Note 19. (4) Excluding South East Asian refugees (pre 1996 only). (5) Includes refusals on safe third country grounds, and those under paragraph 340 (paragraph 180F prior to 1 October 1994 and paragraph 101 prior to 26 July 1993) of the Immigration Rules: see also footnote 6 to Table 1.3. (6) Cases decided under measures aimed at reducing the pre 1996 asylum application backlog. (7) Includes cases where asylum or exceptional leave has been granted under the backlog criteria. (8) Includes some cases where the application has been refused on substantive grounds. (9) Percentages for cases considered under normal procedures and those within the backlog clearance exercise are calculated separately. (10) From 1991 figures are estimated. Including dependants who applied with the principal applicant and those who arrived subsequently but before the principal application was decided. (P) Provisional figures.

20 1. Summary Tables Table 1.3 Initial decisions (1)(2) on applications received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, by type, 1991 to 2001 Number of principal applicants Year Initial Decisions (3) Total decisions Cases considered under normal procedures Backlog clearance exercise Recognised Not recognised Refusals Granted Refused as refugee as refugee asylum or under backlog and granted but granted Total Refused Refused Refused on exceptional criteria asylum exceptional refused asylum and on safe non-compliance leave under (8)(10) (4) leave exceptional third grounds backlog (5) leave country criteria after full grounds (8)(9) consideration (6) (7) , ,190 3,380 2, ,900 1,115 15,325 18,465 2, , ,405 1,590 11,125 10,690 4, , , ,660 16,500 12, , ,005 1,295 4,410 21,300 17,705 1,515 2, ,960 2,240 5,055 31,670 28,040 1,615 2, ,045 3,985 3,115 28,945 22,780 2,550 3, ,570 5,345 3,910 22,315 17,465 1,855 2, ,720 7,815 2,465 11,025 8,110 1,830 1,085 11,140 1, ,205 10,375 11,495 75,680 50,145 1,240 24,290 10,325 1, (P) 119,015 11,180 19,845 87,990 66, ,220 (1) Decisions do not necessarily relate to applications received in the same period. (2) Figures rounded to the nearest 5. (3) Information is of initial decisions, excluding the outcome of appeals or other subsequent decisions. (4) Excluding South East Asian refugees (pre 1996 only). (5) Where it would have been unreasonable or impracticable to seek to enforce return to country of origin: see Explanatory Note 3. (6) Figures from 1 January 1991 only. Prior to this, these refusals are included in the column "Refused asylum and exceptional leave after full consideration". (7) Paragraph 340 (paragraph 180F prior to 1 October 1994 and paragraph 101 prior to 26 July 1993) of the Immigration Rules, for failure to provide evidence to support the asylum claim within a reasonable period, including failure to respond to invitations to interview to establish identity: see explanatory note 6. Figures from 1 December 1991 only. Prior to this, these refusals are included in the column "Refused asylum and exceptional leave after full consideration". (8) Cases decided under measures aimed at reducing the pre 1996 asylum application backlog. (9) Includes cases where asylum or exceptional leave has been granted under the backlog criteria. (10) Includes some cases where the application has been refused on substantive grounds. (P) Provisional figures.

21 2. Applications received for asylum Table 2.1 Applications (1) received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, by nationality, 1993 to 2001 Number of principal applicants Nationality (2) (2) (P) Albania ,310 1,490 1,065 Czech Republic ,790 1, FRY n/a n/a n/a 400 1,865 7,395 11,465 6,070 3,190 Macedonia n/a n/a n/a Poland , ,585 1,860 1, Romania ,015 1,985 2,160 1,415 Russia n/a n/a n/a , Turkey 1,480 2,045 1,820 1,495 1,445 2,015 2,850 3,990 3,700 Ukraine n/a n/a n/a Other Former USSR ,345 2,260 2,640 2,505 1,335 Other Former Yugo. 1,830 1,385 1, ,625 2, Europe Other ,035 1,575 1, Europe Total 4,535 5,360 7,050 6,475 9,145 17,745 28,280 22,880 14,305 Colombia ,005 1, , Ecuador , Jamaica Americas Other Americas Total ,340 1,765 2, ,025 1,420 1,260 Algeria , ,260 1,385 1,635 1,145 Angola ,025 Burundi Congo Dem. Rep. Congo ,240 1,030 1,395 Eritrea Ethiopia Gambia , Ghana 1,785 2,035 1, Ivory Coast Kenya 630 1,130 1,395 1, Nigeria 1,665 4,340 5,825 2,900 1,480 1, Rwanda Sierra Leone 1,050 1, ,125 1,330 1,930 Somalia 1,465 1,840 3,465 1,780 2,730 4,685 7,495 5,020 6,465 Sudan Tanzania , Uganda Zimbabwe ,010 2,115 Africa Other ,025 1,060 Africa Total 10,295 16,960 22,545 11,290 9,515 12,380 18,435 17,920 20,710 Iran ,320 5,610 3,415 Iraq ,075 1,295 1,800 7,475 6,705 Middle East Other ,045 1,330 1,095 Middle East Total 1,520 1,985 2,295 2,150 2,335 2,785 4,165 14,415 11,215 Afghanistan ,085 2,395 3,975 5,555 9,000 Bangladesh China ,945 1,925 2,625 4,000 2,390 India 1,275 2,030 3,255 2,220 1,285 1,030 1,365 2,120 1,850 Nepal Pakistan 1,125 1,810 2,915 1,915 1,615 1,975 2,615 3,165 2,860 Sri Lanka 1,965 2,350 2,070 1,340 1,830 3,505 5,130 6,395 5,510 Asia Other Asia Total 5,175 7,515 10,685 7,885 8,570 11,940 17,465 23,230 23,550 Nationality not known (3) Grand Total 22,370 32,830 43,965 29,640 32,500 46,015 71,160 80,315 71,365 (1) Figures rounded to the nearest 5 with * = 1 or 2. (2) May exclude some cases lodged at Local Enforcement Offices between January 1999 and March (3) Where the nationality was not known between 1992 and 1994 the most likely nationality was recorded. (P) Provisional figures. n/a Data not available.

22 2. Applications received for asylum Table 2.2 Applications (1) received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, by nationality and location where made, 1998 to 2001 Number of principal applicants Nationality (2) 2000 (2) 2001 (P) Total Applied Applied Total Applied Applied Total Applied Applied Total Applied Applied at in at in at in at in port country port country port country port country Albania , , ,245 1, Czech Republic ,790 1, ,200 1, FRY 7,395 2,800 4,590 11,465 1,575 9,890 6, ,435 3, ,960 Macedonia Poland 1,585 1, ,860 1, , Romania 1, , ,750 2, ,860 1, ,210 Russia , Turkey 2,015 1, ,850 2, ,990 2,230 1,760 3,700 1,685 2,015 Ukraine Other Former USSR 2,260 1,240 1,025 2, ,950 2, ,995 1, ,015 Other Former Yugo ,625 1, , , Europe Other 1, Europe Total 17,745 9,615 8,130 28,280 10,845 17,435 22,880 5,975 16,905 14,305 4,230 10,075 Colombia , Ecuador Jamaica Americas Other Americas Total ,025 1, , , Algeria 1, , ,070 1, ,325 1, Angola , Burundi Congo Dem. Rep. Congo , , , ,025 Eritrea Ethiopia Gambia Ghana Ivory Coast Kenya Nigeria 1, Rwanda Sierra Leone , , , ,100 Somalia 4,685 1,620 3,065 7,495 2,080 5,415 5,020 1,180 3,840 6, ,630 Sudan Tanzania Uganda Zimbabwe , ,115 1, Africa Other , , Africa Total 12,380 4,995 7,385 18,435 6,250 12,185 17,920 5,540 12,385 20,710 5,835 14,875 Iran , ,610 1,230 4,380 3,415 1,050 2,370 Iraq 1,295 1, ,800 1, ,475 1,920 5,555 6,705 2,350 4,350 Middle East Other , , , Middle East Total 2,785 2, ,165 2,685 1,480 14,415 3,725 10,690 11,215 3,750 7,465 Afghanistan 2,395 1, ,975 2,610 1,365 5,555 2,610 2,945 9,000 4,655 4,345 Bangladesh China 1, ,430 2, ,995 4,000 1,660 2,340 2,390 1, India 1, , , ,660 1, ,425 Nepal Pakistan 1, ,025 2, ,690 3, ,300 2, ,230 Sri Lanka 3,505 1,840 1,665 5,130 2,865 2,265 6,395 3,890 2,505 5,510 2,700 2,810 Asia Other Asia Total 11,940 5,840 6,100 17,465 7,715 9,745 23,230 9,920 13,310 23,550 10,840 12,710 Nationality not known Grand Total 46,015 23,345 22,670 71,160 29,455 41,700 80,315 25,935 54,380 71,365 25,210 46,160 (1) Figures rounded to the nearest 5 with * = 1 or 2. (2) May exclude some cases lodged at Local Enforcement Offices between January 1999 and March (P) Provisional figures.