Overview

This bill aims to ensure unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in the UK receive legal advice promptly and have a longer deadline to appeal asylum decisions. It mandates the provision of legal advice and extends the appeal timeframe to one year after the initial decision.

Description

The bill makes two key changes to existing legislation:

Legal Advice

It amends the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 to require the Secretary of State to provide legal advice to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children as soon as possible after they are encountered by any public authority. This advice must include, but is not limited to, representation by a Level 3 immigration advisor (registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner), and the government must cover all associated fees and costs.

Appeal Deadlines

It amends the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) Rules 2014, extending the deadline for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children to appeal an asylum decision. Regardless of location (inside or outside the UK), the appeal notice must be received within 12 months of the initial decision.

Government Spending

The bill will increase government spending to cover the costs of legal advice for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. The exact figure is not specified in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children: Directly benefits from guaranteed legal advice and extended appeal deadlines.
• Public authorities: Have a new responsibility to ensure legal advice is provided promptly.
• Level 3 immigration advisors: Will likely see increased demand for their services.
• The Secretary of State: Takes on the responsibility for funding the legal advice and managing the related processes.
• The UK Government: Faces increased financial burdens.

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