World Immigration News

Lady Chief Justice highlights ‘huge’ 82% increase in First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum) cases in last quarter

Release Date: 2024-12-09
Media: Electronic Immigration Network
Summary: The article discusses testimony by Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill before the UK House of Commons Justice Select Committee, highlighting the significant rise in cases at the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum) (FtTIAC). The caseload increased by 53% in 2023/24 compared to the previous year and surged by 82% in the last quarter alone. This rise corresponds to an increase in asylum claim decisions by the Home Office.

Baroness Carr emphasized the mounting pressure on the judiciary due to growing backlogs, chronic underfunding, staffing shortages, and limited capacity. She compared the judiciary to the pinch point of an hourglass, noting that while demand can increase, the system's capacity cannot expand overnight. Despite ongoing recruitment efforts, new judges are not expected to be fully operational until late 2025.

She urged the government to consider the downstream impact of policy decisions, stressing that addressing the strain on courts and tribunals requires long-term solutions.
Tags: United Kingdom

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