London: The UK government has come up with a plan to include India in an extended list of safe countries, which would speed up the return process of Indians traveling illegally from the country and eliminate their chances of seeking asylum in Britain. A draft law tabled in the House of Commons on Wednesday included India and Georgia as countries to be added to the list.
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Britain’s Home Office said the move was aimed at strengthening the country’s immigration system and preventing people from abusing the system by making unfounded security claims. “We must prevent people from safe countries from making dangerous and illegal journeys to Britain,” said Suella Braverman, the country’s home minister.
“Expanding this list will help us more quickly remove people who have no right to be here,” he said. This sends a clear message that if you come here illegally, you cannot stay. “We are committed to introducing measures in our migration legislation that will play a role in the fight against illegal immigration.”
The move is in line with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s pledge to “stop the boats” of migrants landing illegally on the country’s shores after making the perilous journey through the English Channel.
The Home Office said Indian and Georgian boat arrivals had increased over the years, while there was no clear threat of persecution of individuals from these countries. It said: ‘Recognising these countries as safe would mean that if someone came illegally from one of these countries, we would not accept their claim into the British asylum system.’
Other countries considered safe by Britain include Albania and Switzerland, countries associated with the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). Before being implemented, the proposal will undergo parliamentary scrutiny through debate in both houses of Parliament. The Home Office said the government was committed to stopping the boats and people making the dangerous journey to Britain.
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