The United Kingdom government is proposing new legislation that would impose stricter scrutiny on late asylum claims, part of broader efforts to streamline the immigration system and reduce delays in deportations. The amendment to the Immigration and Asylum Bill targets cases where migrants file claims shortly before or after receiving removal notices, a tactic seen by officials as an attempt to frustrate enforcement actions.

Under the proposed change, asylum and protection claims made without a valid reason for their timing could be considered as negatively affecting the claimant’s credibility. Judges and immigration decision-makers would factor in the timing of claims when determining their validity and outcome. This measure builds on existing provisions within the bill designed to fast-track late claims raised by individuals facing imminent deportation.

Migrants identified for removal will receive a formal claim notice and must submit any grounds for remaining in the UK within a specified deadline. Appeals lodged after this deadline—or following the issuance of a removal notice—will be classified as late claims and subject to enhanced scrutiny. Officials argue that this will reduce abuses of the system by preventing last-minute appeals aimed solely at delaying deportation.

Anna Turley, the minister for border security and asylum, emphasized the government’s goal to “prevent unnecessary delays, speed up removals and restore order and control to our immigration system.” Advocates for stricter measures argue that long delays undermine the integrity of the asylum process and place additional burdens on immigration authorities.

Critics of the approach, while not cited directly in this proposal, have previously expressed concern that expedited procedures and increased scrutiny on claim timing could disadvantage individuals with legitimate claims, who may face obstacles in promptly submitting documentation or legal arguments. The government, however, maintains that the amendments will apply fairly and focus on cases where delays appear intentional and without justification.

The amendment is currently under parliamentary consideration and forms part of a wider reform package aimed at enhancing border security and reducing the backlog of unresolved asylum cases in the United Kingdom.