Deportation backlog rises by thousands

More than 32,000 were “subject to removal” at the end of June
More than 32,000 were “subject to removal” at the end of June
OLI SCARFF/GETTY IMAGES

The backlog of asylum seekers awaiting removal from Britain has risen by more than 5,000 in a year.

More than 32,000 were “subject to removal” at the end of June, according to Home Office figures. The number sent home fell just under a quarter, from 5,433 to 4,118.

Keith Vaz, chairman of the all-party group on immigration and visas, said: “These numbers are unacceptable and an embarrassment to the Home Office. Nothing undermines confidence in the immigration system more than failure to remove once a decision has been made. It gives rise to false hopes and generates further baseless appeals. The Home Office should get a grip of the situation.”

Enforced removals of failed asylum seekers has fallen from almost 15,000 in 2004 to 2,365