New Asylum Model (NAM)

Since 5 March 2007 Border and Immigration Agency of the Home Office has made changes to the way it examines applications for asylum in the UK.  It is operating under a “New Asylum Model” (NAM). 

One of the main changes is that a single person, called a ‘case-owner,’ is to manage the main aspects of an individual’s claim for asylum. Those who seek asylum now meet with a named “case-owner” at the outset who oversees all stages of their claim; conducts the initial interview, makes the decision, and represents the Home Office at any appeal.  The case-owner also oversees the question of whether a person seeking asylum should receive support (accommodation etc.) from the UK state.  The case-owner is involved after the case has been decided.  When the person is recognised as a refugee, the case-owner oversees their starting a life based in the UK, known as ‘integration’.  If a person is refused, and any appeal does not succeed, the case-owner oversees the person’s voluntary departure or forced removal from the UK. The aim is to conclude cases within 6 months. There are rigorous reporting requirements and tighter timescales than previously. 

The timetable for dealing with a case is determined by the category in which it is placed. The processing of a case involves a ‘screening’ interview, taking basic information, reporting dates (if applicable), and a substantive asylum interview before a decision is served.  The process has been accelerated by removing the stage at which at applicant for asylum would provide a written statement of their claim, on a ‘Statement of Evidence form’ (SEF) before the interview in all cases except those involving a child.

The Home Office aim is that, in general, a decision on an application for asylum will be provided to the applicant within 20 working days of the application and that the entire process (including any appeal stage) will be completed within six months.  In the past the Home Office has set similar targets and there will be considerable interest in whether the New Asylum Model contributes to making this aspiration a reality.