In a significant move, the United Kingdom has decided to include India in its list of safe states, a decision that will have a direct impact on asylum rights for illegal migrants from the country. This announcement, made by the UK Home Office on Wednesday, is part of an effort to streamline immigration procedures and bolster border control measures. Over the past year, the UK has witnessed a notable increase in small boat arrivals from India and Georgia, prompting the government to reassess its approach to asylum seekers from these nations, according to the Home Office.
UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman emphasized the necessity of preventing dangerous and illegal journeys to the UK from countries considered fundamentally safe. She stated, “Expanding this list will allow us to more swiftly remove people with no right to be here and sends a clear message that if you come here illegally, you cannot stay. We remain committed to delivering the measures in our Illegal Migration Act, which will play a part in the fight against illegal migration.”
What It Means for India? The inclusion of India in the safe states list signifies that the UK government views India as generally safe, stable, and free from widespread human rights abuses. As a result, the chances of seeking asylum in Britain for Indians who enter the country illegally will significantly diminish. The decision will facilitate the detention and expedited return of individuals who enter the UK illegally, either to a safe third country or their home country.
Countries on the UK Safe States List In addition to India, the UK Home Office has also added Georgia to its list of safe states. Other countries considered safe by the UK include Albania and Switzerland, along with the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) states.
What's Next? The proposal will undergo the standard parliamentary scrutiny process, involving debates in both Houses of Parliament, before it becomes effective. These measures are part of the Illegal Migration Act 2023, which is designed to address illegal migration by allowing the detention and swift return of individuals who arrive in the UK illegally to a safe third country or their country of origin.
