"The rules announced today will create prolonged uncertainty for people who want to live free from danger and have been recognised by the government as needing protection. The changes stand in tension with article 34 of the Refugee Convention, under which the UK has agreed to facilitate as far as possible the assimilation and naturalisation of refugees."
"Article 34 of the convention, which was signed by the UK in 1951, reads: The contracting states shall as far as possible facilitate the assimilation and naturalisation of refugees. They shall in particular make every effort to expedite naturalisation proceedings and to reduce as far as possible the charges and costs of such proceedings."
"From Monday, refugees will need to get renewed permission to stay or apply for a visa route like any other authorised migrant, including paying associated fees. The policy shift is modelled on Denmark's strict system."
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced a policy requiring all asylum applicants from Monday to have their refugee status reviewed every 30 months, modeling the approach on Denmark's strict system. Refugees must obtain renewed permission to stay or apply for alternative visa routes, including paying associated fees. The Law Society of England and Wales argues this policy conflicts with Article 34 of the 1951 Refugee Convention, which obligates the UK to facilitate refugee assimilation and naturalization. The policy has faced criticism from MPs, peers, unions, and refugee advocacy organizations, who warn it will create prolonged uncertainty and retraumatize people fleeing war zones and torture.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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