The new law that has come into force is aimed at those who arrived in the country illegally to work. It concerns those immigrants who then use an asylum application as a last chance to avoid deportation. From January 8, such applications must be submitted immediately upon arrival in the country. Otherwise, they will be automatically rejected and illegal immigrants will have to rely on help and shelter from relatives or friends. And rent subsidies, medical care, English lessons and cash benefits will be provided only to those who legitimately seek political asylum.
Beverley Hughes, an official at the UK Home Office, said in an interview with the BBC that it is quite reasonable to expect that those who are trying to avoid persecution in their own countries should apply for political asylum in the UK immediately upon arrival.
However, refugee rights advocates unanimously condemned the new measures, calling them 'draconian.' A representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees said the changes would bring 'hardship and deprivation' to refugees. According to the BBC, protests against the government's initiatives are expected in the UK. In addition, it is expected that they will be challenged in court.
When the French refugee camp Sangatte closed last December, many of whose inhabitants often stormed trains crossing the English Channel in an attempt to get to Britain, under an agreement between London and Paris, Britain was obliged to tighten its immigration legislation. The new law, which is part of this package of measures, is designed to help the country cope with the flow of illegal immigrants for whom Britain has become a powerful magnet.