The UK government has unveiled new measures to toughen asylum rules for individuals with sex offence convictions. Under the latest proposals, asylum seekers placed on the sex offenders register will no longer qualify to stay in the UK.
Currently, the Refugee Convention already bars terrorists, war criminals, and serious offenders from seeking asylum. The new amendment expands this list to include anyone convicted of sex crimes in the UK, regardless of their sentence length.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the change sends a strong message that “appalling crimes” will not be tolerated. She believes tougher asylum laws are necessary to restore trust in the immigration system.
The law will be added to the ongoing Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. Parliament is still debating the full scope of the bill.
One case that sparked public outrage involved Abdul Ezedi, a convicted sex offender. Despite being on the sex offenders register, he received asylum after two failed attempts. Last year, he was suspected of launching a corrosive attack on his ex-girlfriend and her children in London. Hours later, he died by suicide.
Officials hope tougher asylum laws will prevent similar cases. Ministers plan to fast-track appeals and clear the asylum backlog. The proposed rules will set a 24-week target for appeal decisions involving criminal asylum seekers.
The Home Office also plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up asylum decisions. AI tools will summarise interview records and assess country safety information. Officials estimate this could save one hour per case.
Some experts have raised concerns. The Refugee Council warned flawed AI decisions could backfire and lead to legal challenges. The Law Society said the 24-week deadline might overwhelm the justice system.
The new bill also includes strict controls for foreign criminals in the UK. These include electronic tags, curfews, and restricted travel zones. The government wants to ensure foreign offenders do not pose a threat to public safety.
Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips said the reforms support efforts to reduce violence against women and girls. She believes these policies show real commitment.
However, Conservatives called the changes “too little, too late.” Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said Labour blocked earlier proposals to remove all foreign criminals. He argued that “spurious human rights claims” often delay deportations.
Philp insisted the Conservatives already proposed tougher asylum laws. He said Labour now copies their ideas but fails to act with urgency.
Despite the criticism, the government remains firm. Officials believe these steps will protect communities and ensure justice for victims. The Home Secretary said the country must no longer offer protection to sex offenders.
Tougher asylum laws, the government argues, reflect the public’s demand for safer borders and stricter immigration control.
For more political updates, visit London Pulse News.
