UK sets 24-week target for asylum appeals to speed up deportations

UK sets 24-week target for asylum appeals. The UK is introducing a 24-week target for deciding certain asylum and immigration appeals, in a move aimed at speeding up the removal of people whose claims are rejected.From this week, the First-tier Tribunal will be expected to hear new appeals within 24 weeks involving non-detained foreign national offenders and people receiving asylum support and accommodation.The target applies to cases submitted from August 12. The average waiting time for an asylum appeal decision currently stands at 67 weeks, according to the Home Office.More than 150,000 appeals waitingThe government estimates that more than 150,000 appeals are currently awaiting a hearing.Officials said reducing the backlog would help resolve cases more quickly and could reduce the amount spent housing asylum seekers in taxpayer-funded accommodation.The government estimates the changes could generate savings of £6.9 billion.“For too long, asylum and immigration appeals have been plagued by delays, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill while cases drag on for months and sometimes years,” UK Minister for Border Security and Asylum Anna Turley said.“This new 24-week target will see ca...