TNAG-1418-FCO40-1901-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-Sub-Committee-on-Race-Relations-and--1985 — Page 88

ASYLIK PACCETTRES

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The BRC wermly welcomes the recommendation that appeal rights be extended to all asylum applicants. The Home Office now appears

to be alone in believing that asylum-seekers should be denied an

automatic right of appeal. It is particularly important that any accelerated appeal procedure established to deal with so-called bogus applicants consists of a fair hearing before an independent

authority.

The BRC enthusiastically supports the Committee's recommendations

which seek to reduce the time taken by the Home Office in deciding

an asylum application. This period of waiting which at present may last over two years in some cases is an intolerable burden

on the people concerned. The Committee states that "the need to control manpower cannot be used as justification for a government department failing to carry out duties of this sort within a

reasonable time."

Figures issued by the Home Office relating to decisions taken in 1984 show that out of 6300 applications made during the year and pending from previous years, decisions were taken on only 1927 cases.

The Committee's corcem at the detention of some refugees and asylum-

seekers highlights the need for refugee hostels. This recommendation comes at a time when new DHSS regulations (to be introduced on 29 April) are threatening many refugees with homelessness.

The Committee suggests the formation of a number of working parties to

tackle the more complex issues.

be happy to take part.

The BRC and its member agencies would

ends