June 2023
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This conference brought together policymakers and stakeholders to consider next steps for the UK’s asylum system and immigration strategy.
It was a timely opportunity to consider the Illegal Migration Bill that was recently announced as part of the Government’s new five-point plan to tackle illegal migration, amidst fresh controversy around the conditions and security of the accommodation provided to asylum seekers, and the Home Office’s contract for a £70m accommodation project.
Delegates assessed the impact and practicalities of the measures set out in the Bill, including proposals to make asylum claims from illegal migrants inadmissible, and the plan to institute a duty for the Home Secretary to detain and remove those who arrive in the UK illegally.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Daniel Hobbs, Director, Asylum, Protection and Enforcement, Migration and Borders Group, Home Office; and Professor Jenny Phillimore, Professor of Migration and Superdiversity, University of Birmingham.
There was discussion on the wider design and development of the UK’s asylum system, including reform of decision-making processes, priorities for further international collaboration, and options for multi-lateral approaches and joint processing, as well as staff numbers, training and performance.
Taking place following the disappearance of over 200 children from hotels, delegates explored the provision, construction and administration of housing for asylum seekers, including the design and management of purpose-built asylum accommodation centres, and the integration of support services.
Attendees also considered the state of legal asylum routes, and what is needed to ensure that they meet the both needs of asylum seekers and UK policy objectives.
Further sessions examined whether integration programmes are meeting the needs of asylum seekers and local communities effectively, and the priorities for the creation of a national strategy to better integrate claimants into communities and the labour market.
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from Dstl; DLUHC; DWP; FCDO; HM Treasury; Home Office; MOJ; NCA; ONS; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Lords.
