Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to Question 281780 tabled on 24 July 2019 on Asylum: Scotland, what assessment she has made of the (a) financial and (b) other barriers faced by asylum seekers that are resident in Scotland required to attend Home Office appointments in England as part of their asylum application.

As part of the asylum process, asylum seekers are expected to attend Home Office appointments such as screening interviews and substantive asylum interviews.

Individuals receiving asylum support are provided with travel cards, or are reimbursed accordingly, to ensure they can attend their Home Office appointments without financial detriment.

As part of the registration process, no provision is made for funding in advance of the registration. If an asylum seeker is destitute or vulnerable, they can present themselves to Migrant Help who may assist with access to travel.

We are committed to ensuring that asylum claims are considered without unnecessary delay. Asylum Operations are currently exploring several initiatives to improve the asylum application process to provide a better service to claimants.