§ Baroness Young of Old Sconeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will allow those asylum applicants whose claims have remained undecided for 10 years or more to remain in the United Kingdom exceptionally. [HL1126]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Williams of Mostyn)While each asylum claim is considered on its individual merits, it has been a long-standing practice (since the early 1990s) to consider the grant of exceptional leave, on account of the length of stay here, in those asylum cases where a decision had not been taken seven years after the application was made. There are criteria for considering such cases and the grant of exceptional leave is not an automatic outcome. We will publish the relevant guidance to caseworkers shortly and a copy will be placed in the Library.