Britain’s immigration system set for 'shake up', Torbay MP says
Home Office Minister Kevin Foster says he wants to reduce the number of boats reaching the U.K - and the time it takes for asylum decisions if they do
We can reveal Britain is planning to copy Greece to overhaul our immigration system.
Home Office Minister and Torbay MP Kevin Foster has spoken exclusively to us after returning from a fact-finding trip there.
Earlier this year, the country opened a new holding camp for migrants on the island of Samos. They said other facilities would follow in the coming months.
Mr Foster said the reforms Greece have made to its asylum and illegal migration systems have made it faster and there are now fewer numbers crossing the Aegean Sea.
"It's safe to say the Home Secretary's made it clear that we have broken asylum system in this country, taking far too long to make decisions and not building public confidence - given the issues in the Channel - and also for applicants themselves leaving them in limbo.
"Greece has transformed its system. That's not just been tougher tactics that have been more famous in the sea, but also making sure people get decisions much more quickly.
He adds: "The first thing we could see is moving to simplify and speed up our process, because we need to make decisions more quickly, that's at the core of the improvements we need to make.
"Also looking at our stance in the Channel and the work we do with the French around preventing small boat crossings. It was interesting to see how much they've fallen in Greece in the last few years."
Kevin Foster MP - Home Office Minister
Back in 2015 and 2016, Greece saw themselves at the frontline of Europe's migration crisis - with a million refugees arriving in the country after fleeing from war and poverty.
Mr Foster said the major surge in applicants meant many waited a 'long time' for decisions on asylum claims.
He says they have since introduced a fully digital process, along with an app which not only advises migrants of what services are available, but also provides updates on their case as it progresses.
He adds most asylum claimants are now issued with an initial decision within 24 days:
"Given issues in the Channel over recent months, alongside delays in processing asylum claims here in the UK, the Greek experience is one which is worth studying as we look to make changes here."
Kevin Foster MP - Home Office Minister