Asylum

HC Deb 17 June 1992 vol 209 cc521-2W

Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will reduce the time before an asylum seeker given exceptional leave to remain may apply to bring in his family and immediate dependants from four years to three years.

Mr. Charles Wardle

No. The period of four years reflects the view that family reunion for someone with exceptional leave should not normally be allowed until it is apparent that his stay in the United Kingdom is likely to be permanent.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of asylum seekers for each month from January 1990 until the present date.

Mr. Charles Wardle

The information available is given in the table.

Applications received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants
1Number of principal applicants
	2 31990	41991	1992
January		4,455	2,165
February	3,360	3,445	1,420
March		3,885	1,595
April		5,275	1,440
May	3,665	3,805	1,370
June		3,000	5—
July		3,725	5—
August	6,980	3,340	5—
September		3,525	5—
October		4,375	5—
November	8,005	3,790	5—
December		2,210	5—
	22,000	44,840	5—
1Provisional figures, rounded to the nearest 5.
21990 figures may understate because of delays in recording. Reliable monthly estimates are not yet available.
3In addition, about 55 applications by nationals of Afghanistan to the British High Commission in New Delhi were processed locally.
4In addition, about 15 applications by nationals of Afghanistan to the British High Commission in New Delhi and 40 applications by nationals of Liberia to the British High Commission in Lagos were processed locally.
5Not yet available.

Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to ensure greater uniformity in practice about what constitutes urgent and compassionate grounds for family reunion in the cases of asylum seekers seeking exceptional leave to remain.

Mr. Charles Wardle

Compelling and compassionate grounds are considered in the light of the circumstances in each individual case. I am satisfied that decisions in such cases are properly taken.