Mr. MatinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what steps he proposes to take to re-establish contact with(a) failed appellants under immigration law and (b) asylum seekers who are awaiting an initial determination; [95445]
(2) what mechanisms exist whereby (a) his Department and (b) other authorities maintain contact with (i) failed appellants under immigration law and (ii) asylum seekers who are waiting an initial determination. [95478]
§ Mrs. RocheThe onus is on applicants and their representatives to keep the Home Office informed of their whereabouts. In general, asylum seekers bring themselves962W to the notice of the Home Office and it is in their interest to maintain contact so as to be aware of the outcome of their applications. Asylum seekers will usually be issued with a Standard Acknowledgement Letter (SAL) which demonstrates their immigration status for the purpose of claiming benefits, if an asylum applicant is claiming benefits, the Benefits Agency would be able to provide information about their whereabouts. Immigration offenders who seek asylum will often be required to report to the police or the Immigration Service.