Overview

This bill ensures unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in the UK receive legal advice promptly and extends the deadline for appealing asylum decisions. It aims to improve the support and protection offered to vulnerable children navigating the asylum system.

Description

This bill makes two key changes to existing legislation:

Legal Advice

It mandates the Secretary of State to provide legal advice to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children as soon as a public authority encounters them. This advice must include access to Level 3 immigration advisors (registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) who can advise on asylum claims and represent children at the First-Tier Immigration Tribunal. The government will cover the associated fees and costs.

Appeal Deadlines

The bill extends the deadline for appealing an asylum decision for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children to 12 months from the date of the decision notice, regardless of whether the child is in or outside the UK. This amendment is made to the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) Rules 2014.

Government Spending

The bill will increase government spending to cover the fees and costs associated with providing legal advice to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. No specific figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children: They will benefit from guaranteed legal representation and an extended appeal period.
• Public authorities: They have a role in ensuring children receive legal advice promptly.
• Level 3 immigration advisors: They will see an increase in demand for their services.
• The Home Office (Secretary of State): They are responsible for implementing the bill and funding legal aid provisions.
• First-Tier Immigration Tribunal: They will likely see an impact on their caseloads.

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