Officials reassured failed asylum seekers about the administrative outcome of being told they cannot stay in Britain. They said it should not be confused with anything as dramatic as actually having to leave Britain.
The Department for Managed Departures described rejection as an administrative outcome, rather than an indication that something might now happen.
“Once officials refuse a claim, the applicant simply moves from Seeking Asylum to Successfully Rejected But Still Here,” a spokesman explained.
“The important thing is not to confuse having no right to remain with no longer remaining.”
Officials said cases then progress naturally through several further stages. These include Removal Pending, Removal Still Pending, Country of Origin Not Keen, and Perhaps Another Country Will Have Them.
Officials will keep accommodation available throughout the process. The department says it would be “administratively untidy” to tell someone to leave while giving them somewhere to continue living in the country.
Officials are also introducing new refusal letters to make the system clearer.
“Your asylum claim has been refused and you have no right to remain in the United Kingdom. Please do not make any travel arrangements. We haven’t.”
Officials will also give applicants an updated accommodation pack. It contains their rejection notice, room key, fresh bedding and a leaflet entitled So You’ve Been Told To Leave: What Happens While You Don’t.
Ministers denied suggestions that the system was contradictory.
They stressed that Britain remains fully committed to removing failed asylum seekers. First, it must find somewhere willing to take them. Then it must arrange the removal, complete the paperwork, overcome any legal barriers, secure travel documents and eventually remember why the case was still open.
“The rejection itself is final,” the spokesman added.
“The leaving is more of a long-term aspiration.”
Source receipt
Home Office asylum-system statistics that inspired this fictional parody
