§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact of section 55 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 on female asylum seekers; and what assessment he has made of the number that are forced into prostitution. [171041]
§ Mr. BrowneAssessment of the impact of section 55 on female asylum seekers is integral to the close monitoring of the operation of the policy since implementation on 8 January 2003. As part of these arrangements the National Asylum Support Service maintains an open dialogue with the voluntary sector agencies, local government and other stakeholders. The Government have reviewed section 55 in the light of experience of its operation, the changing pattern of asylum applications since implementation and concerns raised about the impact of the policy.
The Government believes that these arrangements for monitoring and reviewing the operation of section 55 and working with stakeholders, together with the statutory safeguards and the adjustments that have been made to section 55 processes, provide a balanced but firm policy that discourages economic migration, while continuing to offer refuge to those seeking asylum, and providing support for those who qualify or who are vulnerable.
1694WNo evidence has been produced to indicate that female asylum seekers have been forced into prostitution as a result of section 55.