Asylum and Immigration Applications Backlog 2023-03-20
2023-03-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The Minister previously committed to clear the legacy backlog of asylum applications by the end of this year. The question addresses recent progress.
What recent progress her Department has made on reducing the backlog of asylum applications?
The Prime Minister committed to clear the legacy backlog over this year. We have doubled caseworkers and are set to double again, streamlining processes while maintaining standards. Caseworker productivity has more than doubled since the start of the year.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent Mr and Mrs Leeson, UK residents but American citizens, face delays with a visa for their niece to join them from the USA. The constituent's niece is currently stuck in the US.
My constituents have huge issues getting their niece a visa despite a US court ruling that they are her guardians; will the Minister meet me to discuss this?
I would be happy to look into the case. The UK visa service is meeting or exceeding all its standards, but I will examine this specific issue.
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Assessment & feedback
specific commitment on a timeline for the meeting
General Statement About Overall Good Service
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister claims the visa service is performing well, but the questioner cites numerous instances of delays in work visas, visitor visas, among others over 18 years.
Despite assurances of good service, there are many cases of delayed work and visitor visas. When will improvements be made?
The UK visa service meets or exceeds all standards. People reassigned for Homes for Ukraine scheme are back on job, improving performance.
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Assessment & feedback
specific timeline to address widespread delays
General Statement About Overall Good Service
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a need for accommodation due to increasing numbers of asylum seekers. The question asks about the progress made by the Scottish Government.
Can my right hon. Friend update on the progress that the Scottish Government are making on housing numbers of asylum seekers?
The number of individuals in initial and contingency accommodation in Scotland is very low, with fewer hotels than in Kensington. Wales has even fewer hotels.
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Assessment & feedback
specific progress or plans by the Scottish Government on housing for asylum seekers
Criticizing The Snp And Labour
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The sudden arrival of thousands of migrants over a bank holiday weekend causes infrastructure problems. The question addresses the need for deterrence measures.
To stop dangerous trafficking and demonstrate that crossing is futile, what actions will be taken?
The only sustainable answer is breaking the people smugglers' model as outlined in the Illegal Migration Bill. This includes sending people to safe third countries.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy