Overview

The Illegal Migration Bill aims to deter illegal entry into the UK by making it harder for individuals arriving through irregular channels to claim asylum and by enabling faster removals. The bill has been subject to significant amendments and disagreements between the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

Description

The core aim is to prevent illegal immigration, particularly via the English Channel. Key aspects include:

• Restriction on asylum claims: Individuals arriving through irregular channels will generally be ineligible to claim asylum in the UK.
• Removal of individuals: The bill facilitates the swift removal of those deemed ineligible for asylum.
• Safe and legal routes: The bill includes provisions (though debated) for the establishment of safe and legal routes to the UK for refugees and those in need of protection.
• Detention of unaccompanied minors: Amendments relate to the limitations on the detention of unaccompanied children, establishing maximum detention periods.
• Modern Slavery Victims: Amendments aim to ensure that victims of modern slavery who have been exploited in the UK are not deported immediately, providing time for investigation and cooperation with authorities.
• Protection of LGBT+ individuals: The bill includes provisions preventing removal to certain countries where LGBT+ individuals face persecution, this is also subject to debate.
• Combating organised immigration crime: Amendments seek to strengthen the National Crime Agency's role in tackling organized crime facilitating illegal immigration via the English Channel.

Government Spending

The bill's financial impact is not explicitly detailed in the provided text. The cost of implementing the bill's measures, including increased removals, detention, and legal processes, will likely increase government spending. Further detail would be needed to assess the total cost.

Groups Affected

• Asylum seekers: Those arriving irregularly will face significant restrictions on their ability to claim asylum.
• Refugees and vulnerable individuals: The impact on this group depends on the implementation of safe and legal routes.
• Victims of modern slavery: Provisions aim to improve protections but have been subject to debate and amendment.
• LGBT+ individuals: Specific protections are included, preventing removal to countries where they may face persecution, but the details are under debate.
• Government agencies: Increased workload for border agencies, law enforcement, and immigration officials.
• Humanitarian organizations: Their operations and ability to assist those in need may be affected.

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