Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effect the Government's hostile environment policy on the ability of asylum seekers to claim asylum in the UK.

Anyone who wishes to claim asylum should do so at the first available opportunity. This usually means claiming in the first safe country they reach.

Individuals are expected to claim asylum on arrival in the UK at the port of entry. Where a person’s circumstances have changed since arriving in the UK, such that they have a fear of persecution, or they did not claim on arrival for any reason, they should attend the Asylum Intake Unit in Croydon to register their claim. This process has not changed since the introduction of the compliant environment.

The compliant environment is designed to protect public services and benefits from those who are not entitled to them, and incentivise immigration offenders to depart the UK voluntarily or regularise their status.

It is a long-standing policy that asylum seekers are not normally allowed to work, but are entitled to access Home Office accommodation and support if they would otherwise be destitute while their claim is outstanding.

Individuals who have had their asylum claim rejected and who have no other lawful basis to remain in the UK are able to access the Home Office’s Voluntary Returns Service. They provide support to those wishing to leave the UK, which can include financial support for reintegration.