Inheriting a disordered immigration system, the current government faced significant challenges from the start. Despite years of promises from the previous administration to regain control of the nation’s borders, they oversaw a period marked by escalating people-smuggling activities, a surge in Channel crossings, and a collapse of the asylum system.
Since assuming office, the new government has taken assertive steps to rectify the previous administration’s shortcomings. Improvements have been made in visa and immigration controls, resulting in a notable increase in the return of failed asylum seekers, an 11% reduction in asylum costs, and an 18% decrease in the backlog – all achieved within a year. Acknowledging the enormity of the task ahead, the government remains committed to ongoing reforms.
Upcoming initiatives include a new collaborative program with France, enhanced counter-terror capabilities to safeguard borders, and a comprehensive revamp of the asylum appeals process scheduled for later this year. Efforts are also underway to eliminate the haphazard practice of utilizing hotels to accommodate asylum seekers, a practice attributed to the failures of the previous regime.
While opposition parties criticize from the sidelines, the government remains focused on tangible outcomes. By equipping enforcement agencies with the necessary resources to combat illegal migration, fostering strong international relationships, and swiftly phasing out asylum hotels, the administration demonstrates its commitment to restoring order, rebuilding confidence, and effecting the necessary changes for the betterment of the country.