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23/05/2006
UK asylum applications rise
The number of asylum applications in the UK increased by 5% in the first three months of 2006, the latest figures from the Home Office have shown.
However, removals of failed asylum seekers have also increased, rising by 19% on the previous quarter and 43% when compared to last year's figures.
According to the latest figures, there were 6,455 applications in the first quarter of 2006, compared to 6,165 in the previous quarter. However, the figures was still 8% lower than the same period last year, which saw 7,015 applications made.
The largest number of asylum seekers came from Zimbabwe, followed by Eritrea and Iran.
The Home Office figures also revealed that 4,330 unsuccessful applicants were removed in the first quarter, compared with 3,645 in the previous quarter and 3,040 during the same period last year.
Commenting on the figures, Home Office Minister Liam Byrne said: "The figures published today show that in February we met our target of removing more failed asylum seekers than there were suspected unfounded claims and sustained this during March.
"This is a significant achievement and is a result of our determined efforts to ensure those who have no right to remain in the UK are returned home."
The annual citizenship bulletin, which was also published on Tuesday, found that applications for British citizenship rose by 64% in 2005 to 217,475 and that the number of grants of citizenship was 15% higher last year than in 2004.
Mr Byrne added: "I am pleased to see a rise of 15% in the number of people becoming British citizens. British citizenship should be recognised and celebrated as a crucial stage in integration into British life."
(KMcA)
However, removals of failed asylum seekers have also increased, rising by 19% on the previous quarter and 43% when compared to last year's figures.
According to the latest figures, there were 6,455 applications in the first quarter of 2006, compared to 6,165 in the previous quarter. However, the figures was still 8% lower than the same period last year, which saw 7,015 applications made.
The largest number of asylum seekers came from Zimbabwe, followed by Eritrea and Iran.
The Home Office figures also revealed that 4,330 unsuccessful applicants were removed in the first quarter, compared with 3,645 in the previous quarter and 3,040 during the same period last year.
Commenting on the figures, Home Office Minister Liam Byrne said: "The figures published today show that in February we met our target of removing more failed asylum seekers than there were suspected unfounded claims and sustained this during March.
"This is a significant achievement and is a result of our determined efforts to ensure those who have no right to remain in the UK are returned home."
The annual citizenship bulletin, which was also published on Tuesday, found that applications for British citizenship rose by 64% in 2005 to 217,475 and that the number of grants of citizenship was 15% higher last year than in 2004.
Mr Byrne added: "I am pleased to see a rise of 15% in the number of people becoming British citizens. British citizenship should be recognised and celebrated as a crucial stage in integration into British life."
(KMcA)
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