Asylum Seekers to be Deported at Record Pace under New Illegal Migration Compliance Act

The act, which was proposed by Suella Braverman, aims to make it difficult for people to claim asylum in the UK.

The documents, marked "urgent," were prepared for junior justice ministers and the Ministry of Justice permanent secretary to ensure that there are enough lawyers to provide advice to those detained under the act.

The acting Lord Chancellor has been warned that a judicial review could be launched if he fails to provide legal advice to detainees.

The government is also considering increasing legal aid fees by at least 15%, but the document also proposes a 200% increase, which is not recommended.

The document recommended a 15% increase in fees for legal aid, which would result in an increase from £53m to £61m a year.

However, the option of paying lawyers more is considered "unfunded" and would require agreement from the Treasury and Home Office.

Net migration figures have increased to 488,000 in 2021, with the estimates including people from Ukraine and Hong Kong under resettlement schemes, as well as overseas students.

The Conservative manifesto promised to reduce overall numbers, but the current figures have been criticized as "unsustainable" and having a "significant impact" on housing.

More than three-quarters of small-boat asylum applications since 2018 are still awaiting a decision, with charities stating the human cost of such delays is "staggering." The immigration minister suggested that processing claims at a quicker pace could lead to an increase in people claiming asylum.

Downing Street stated that tackling the backlog was the "right approach," but the prime minister's spokesperson noted that it would take time for policies to have an effect.