Asked by: Dawn Butler (Labour - Brent Central)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to proposals in the 2021 Queen’s Speech on reforms to the immigration system, what steps her Department is taking to (a) meet the specific experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and (b) ensure that LGBTQ+ asylum seekers are not penalised in their asylum applications in the event that they do not reveal their sexual orientation or gender identity immediately upon arrival in the UK.
Answered by Kevin Foster
The Home Office has and continues to work closely with a diverse range of organisations specialising in asylum and human rights protection to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people (LGBTQ+) communities, not only to facilitate the development of bespoke guidance and training products but also to further our work for LGBTQ+ within our asylum system.
We ensure LGBTQ+ asylum seekers are signposted to relevant NGOs specialising in the support of these individuals. This is done through an information leaflet given to all asylum claimants at the point of claim which includes sections on legal advice, additional help and assistance with links to relevant legal bodies and support organisations. LGBTQ+ asylum seekers can also access support from Rainbow Migration (formerly the UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group), who provide both practical and emotional support for LGBTQ+ people including how to help improve their confidence and self-esteem and to reduce isolation.
The Home Office recognises discussing persecution may often be distressing and those seeking asylum are given every opportunity to disclose information relevant to their claim before a decision is taken. Our caseworkers are very mindful many asylum seekers come from cultures which shun any open expression or discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity. We recognise the intimate nature of disclosure set against the individual’s cultural background may have made it difficult for some to disclose and discuss their sexuality or gender identity with officials at a port of entry.
Where it appears a claimant has been in the UK for a prolonged period of time before either coming to immigration attention or voluntarily seeking protection, this will be explored with the claimant. Consideration will be given to any explanation offered for not seeking protection at the first available opportunity, or for not disclosing the issue of sexuality or gender identity as a claim basis at the first available opportunity. Adverse inference however will not solely be drawn from someone not having immediately identified their sexual or gender identity as a basis to their claim.
Asked by: Dan Carden (Labour - Liverpool, Walton)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to address the specific experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and to ensure that LGBTQ+ asylum seekers are not penalised in their asylum applications in the event that they do not reveal their sexual orientation or gender identity immediately upon arrival.
Answered by Chris Philp - Minister of State (Home Office)
The Home Office has and continues to work closely with a diverse range of organisations specialising in asylum and human rights protection to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people (LGBTQ+) communities, not only to facilitate the development of bespoke guidance and training products but also to further our work for LGBTQ+ within our asylum system.
We ensure that LGBTQ+ asylum seekers are signposted to relevant NGOs specialising in the support of these individuals. This is done through an information leaflet given to all asylum claimants at the point of claim which includes sections on legal advice, additional help and assistance with links to relevant legal bodies and support organisations. LGBTQ+ asylum seekers can also access support from Rainbow Migration (formerly the UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group), who provide both practical and emotional support for LGBTQ+ people including how to help improve their confidence and self-esteem and to reduce isolation.
The Home Office recognises that discussing persecution may often be distressing and those seeking asylum are given every opportunity to disclose information relevant to their claim before a decision is taken. Our caseworkers are very mindful that many asylum seekers come from cultures which shun any open expression or discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity. We recognise that the intimate nature of disclosure set against the individual’s cultural background may have made it difficult for some to disclose and discuss their sexuality or gender identity with officials at a port of entry.
Where it appears that a claimant has been in the UK for a prolonged period of time before either coming to immigration attention or voluntarily seeking protection, this will be explored with the claimant. Consideration will be given to any explanation offered for not seeking protection at the first available opportunity, or for not disclosing the issue of sexuality or gender identity as a claim basis at the first available opportunity. Adverse inference however will not solely be drawn from someone not having immediately identified their sexual or gender identity as a basis to their claim.
Asked by: Martyn Day (Scottish National Party - Linlithgow and East Falkirk)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals seeking asylum in the UK from homophobic, biphobic or transphobic persecution are (a) treated fairly and with dignity and (b) protected from persecution and harassment during their application.
Answered by Kevin Foster
All LGBTQ+ individuals seeking asylum in the UK are given every opportunity to disclose information relevant to their claim before a decision is taken, including where it may be sensitive or difficult to disclose.
Each case is considered on its individual merits by caseworkers who receive extensive training. All available evidence is carefully and sensitively considered in light of published country information ensuring all individuals are treated fairly and with dignity.
The Home Office work closely with a range of organisations specialising in asylum and human rights protection to trans and LGB communities.
We ensure LGBTQ+ asylum seekers are signposted to relevant NGOs specialising in the support of these individuals. This is done through an information leaflet given to all asylum claimants at the point of claim which includes sections on legal advice, additional help and assistance with links to relevant legal bodies and support organisations.
LGBTQ+ claimants can access specialist support upon claiming asylum from Rainbow Migration (formerly known as the UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG)) who will guide them through the asylum procedure, including providing relevant information. They also offer one-to-one and group peer support to claimants.
Asked by: Lloyd Russell-Moyle (Labour (Co-op) - Brighton, Kemptown)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals seeking asylum in the UK from homophobic, biphobic or transphobic persecution abroad are (a) treated fairly and with dignity and (b) protected from persecution and harassment during their application.
Answered by Kevin Foster
All LGBTQ+ individuals seeking asylum in the UK are given every opportunity to disclose information relevant to their claim before a decision is taken, including where it may be sensitive or difficult to disclose.
Each case is considered on its individual merits by caseworkers who receive extensive training. All available evidence is carefully and sensitively considered in light of published country information ensuring all individuals are treated fairly and with dignity.
The Home Office work closely with a range of organisations specialising in asylum and human rights protection to trans and LGB communities.
We ensure LGBTQ+ asylum seekers are signposted to relevant NGOs specialising in the support of these individuals. This is done through an information leaflet given to all asylum claimants at the point of claim which includes sections on legal advice, additional help and assistance with links to relevant legal bodies and support organisations.
LGBTQ+ claimants can access specialist support upon claiming asylum from Rainbow Migration (formerly known as the UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG)) who will guide them through the asylum procedure, including providing relevant information. They also offer one-to-one and group peer support to claimants.
Asked by: Lilian Greenwood (Labour - Nottingham South)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals seeking asylum in the UK from homophobic, biphobic or transphobic persecution are (a) treated fairly and with dignity and (b) protected from persecution and harassment during their application.
Answered by Kevin Foster
All LGBTQ+ individuals seeking asylum in the UK are given every opportunity to disclose information relevant to their claim before a decision is taken, including where it may be sensitive or difficult to disclose.
Each case is considered on its individual merits by caseworkers who receive extensive training. All available evidence is carefully and sensitively considered in light of published country information ensuring all individuals are treated fairly and with dignity.
The Home Office work closely with a range of organisations specialising in asylum and human rights protection to trans and LGB communities.
We ensure LGBTQ+ asylum seekers are signposted to relevant NGOs specialising in the support of these individuals. This is done through an information leaflet given to all asylum claimants at the point of claim which includes sections on legal advice, additional help and assistance with links to relevant legal bodies and support organisations.
LGBTQ+ claimants can access specialist support upon claiming asylum from Rainbow Migration (formerly known as the UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG)) who will guide them through the asylum procedure, including providing relevant information. They also offer one-to-one and group peer support to claimants.
Asked by: Neil Coyle (Labour - Bermondsey and Old Southwark)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to Answer of 11 February 2020 to Question 11509, on Asylum, what steps his Department has taken to consult representatives of LGBT+ organisations on the review and action plan in respect of asylum claims on the basis of sexuality.
Answered by Chris Philp - Minister of State (Home Office)
The UK has a proud record of providing protection to individuals fleeing persecution based on their religious beliefs, sexual orientation and gender identity and are committed to delivering an asylum system that is responsive to all forms of persecution.
We have previously worked closely with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Freedom of Religion or Belief and associated stakeholders, to produce a specialist training package designed to ensure that where religion or belief is raised in an asylum claim, decision makers appropriately consider all the available evidence. The course has now been rolled out to all relevant staff and we will continue to update this as and when required, working with relevant parties.
The Home Office continue to work with organisations specialising in sexual orientation/gender identity to further our work for LGBT+ people, including the development of a new interview training workshop that is being developed in consultation with UK Lesbian Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG). It is hoped that, if successful, this training will be rolled out in the next few months.
Updated policy guidance on how to approach religious based claims and sexual orientation has been published, including guidance on the need to ensure appropriate and sensitive questions are asked during asylum interviews.
Our processes are underpinned by a robust framework of safeguards and quality checks, ensuring that claims based on LGBT+ issues are properly considered, decisions are sound, and that protection is granted to those who genuinely need it.
We do not have any plans to publish the findings of this internal review.
Asked by: Neil Coyle (Labour - Bermondsey and Old Southwark)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to Answer of 11 February 2020 to Question 11509, on Asylum, what steps his Department have taken to consult representatives of (a) the Church of England, (b) the Catholic Church and (c) other faith based organisations on the review and action plan in respect of asylum claims on the basis of religion.
Answered by Chris Philp - Minister of State (Home Office)
The UK has a proud record of providing protection to individuals fleeing persecution based on their religious beliefs, sexual orientation and gender identity and are committed to delivering an asylum system that is responsive to all forms of persecution.
We have previously worked closely with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Freedom of Religion or Belief and associated stakeholders, to produce a specialist training package designed to ensure that where religion or belief is raised in an asylum claim, decision makers appropriately consider all the available evidence. The course has now been rolled out to all relevant staff and we will continue to update this as and when required, working with relevant parties.
The Home Office continue to work with organisations specialising in sexual orientation/gender identity to further our work for LGBT+ people, including the development of a new interview training workshop that is being developed in consultation with UK Lesbian Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG). It is hoped that, if successful, this training will be rolled out in the next few months.
Updated policy guidance on how to approach religious based claims and sexual orientation has been published, including guidance on the need to ensure appropriate and sensitive questions are asked during asylum interviews.
Our processes are underpinned by a robust framework of safeguards and quality checks, ensuring that claims based on LGBT+ issues are properly considered, decisions are sound, and that protection is granted to those who genuinely need it.
We do not have any plans to publish the findings of this internal review.
Asked by: Neil Coyle (Labour - Bermondsey and Old Southwark)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2020 to Question 11509, on Asylum, what progress his Department has made since that action plan was formed on the way that asylum claims on the basis of religion and LGBT+ grounds are assessed.
Answered by Chris Philp - Minister of State (Home Office)
The UK has a proud record of providing protection to individuals fleeing persecution based on their religious beliefs, sexual orientation and gender identity and are committed to delivering an asylum system that is responsive to all forms of persecution.
We have previously worked closely with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Freedom of Religion or Belief and associated stakeholders, to produce a specialist training package designed to ensure that where religion or belief is raised in an asylum claim, decision makers appropriately consider all the available evidence. The course has now been rolled out to all relevant staff and we will continue to update this as and when required, working with relevant parties.
The Home Office continue to work with organisations specialising in sexual orientation/gender identity to further our work for LGBT+ people, including the development of a new interview training workshop that is being developed in consultation with UK Lesbian Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG). It is hoped that, if successful, this training will be rolled out in the next few months.
Updated policy guidance on how to approach religious based claims and sexual orientation has been published, including guidance on the need to ensure appropriate and sensitive questions are asked during asylum interviews.
Our processes are underpinned by a robust framework of safeguards and quality checks, ensuring that claims based on LGBT+ issues are properly considered, decisions are sound, and that protection is granted to those who genuinely need it.
We do not have any plans to publish the findings of this internal review.
Asked by: Neil Coyle (Labour - Bermondsey and Old Southwark)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2020 to Question 11509 on Asylum, if his Department will publish the (a) findings of the review into the way asylum claims on the basis of religion and LGBT+ grounds are assessed and (b) action plan.
Answered by Chris Philp - Minister of State (Home Office)
The UK has a proud record of providing protection to individuals fleeing persecution based on their religious beliefs, sexual orientation and gender identity and are committed to delivering an asylum system that is responsive to all forms of persecution.
We have previously worked closely with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Freedom of Religion or Belief and associated stakeholders, to produce a specialist training package designed to ensure that where religion or belief is raised in an asylum claim, decision makers appropriately consider all the available evidence. The course has now been rolled out to all relevant staff and we will continue to update this as and when required, working with relevant parties.
The Home Office continue to work with organisations specialising in sexual orientation/gender identity to further our work for LGBT+ people, including the development of a new interview training workshop that is being developed in consultation with UK Lesbian Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG). It is hoped that, if successful, this training will be rolled out in the next few months.
Updated policy guidance on how to approach religious based claims and sexual orientation has been published, including guidance on the need to ensure appropriate and sensitive questions are asked during asylum interviews.
Our processes are underpinned by a robust framework of safeguards and quality checks, ensuring that claims based on LGBT+ issues are properly considered, decisions are sound, and that protection is granted to those who genuinely need it.
We do not have any plans to publish the findings of this internal review.
Asked by: Neil Coyle (Labour - Bermondsey and Old Southwark)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2020 to Question 11509 on Asylum, if he will publish the terms of reference for the completed review on the way asylum claims on the basis of religion and LGBT+ grounds are assessed.
Answered by Chris Philp - Minister of State (Home Office)
The UK has a proud record of providing protection to individuals fleeing persecution based on their religious beliefs, sexual orientation and gender identity and are committed to delivering an asylum system that is responsive to all forms of persecution.
We have previously worked closely with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Freedom of Religion or Belief and associated stakeholders, to produce a specialist training package designed to ensure that where religion or belief is raised in an asylum claim, decision makers appropriately consider all the available evidence. The course has now been rolled out to all relevant staff and we will continue to update this as and when required, working with relevant parties.
The Home Office continue to work with organisations specialising in sexual orientation/gender identity to further our work for LGBT+ people, including the development of a new interview training workshop that is being developed in consultation with UK Lesbian Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG). It is hoped that, if successful, this training will be rolled out in the next few months.
Updated policy guidance on how to approach religious based claims and sexual orientation has been published, including guidance on the need to ensure appropriate and sensitive questions are asked during asylum interviews.
Our processes are underpinned by a robust framework of safeguards and quality checks, ensuring that claims based on LGBT+ issues are properly considered, decisions are sound, and that protection is granted to those who genuinely need it.
We do not have any plans to publish the findings of this internal review.