Disengagement from the UK asylum system

This project will investigate factors contributing to asylum seekers’ disengagement from the UK asylum system, focusing on individual, institutional, and policy influences. 

Why this project is important

The withdrawal of asylum claims in the UK has risen significantly, with over 26,000 claims withdrawn in 2023. Some asylum seekers actively choose to withdraw their claims, while others have their claims withdrawn due to non-compliance with administrative processes. Both processes fall under the concept of disengagement, which refers to the cessation or reduction of an asylum seeker’s participation in the processes required to pursue their claim.  

This trend affects vulnerable populations, increasing risks of destitution, exploitation, and pressure on state resources. Current research lacks understanding of the causes and consequences of these withdrawals, which vary widely among asylum seekers.  

What it will involve

The research team aim to address this gap by answering the following questions: 

1. What drives disengagement from the asylum system? 
   • What are the different ways – intentional and unintentional – in which people disengage from the asylum system? 
   • What factors drive different types of disengagement, and what is the role of individual vs. institutional or policy explanations?  

2. What are the consequences of disengagement? 
   • How do disengaged asylum seekers’ daily experiences affect their ability to re-engage, where it is in their interests to do so? 
   • To what extent can the impacts of disengagement be reversed if people subsequently re-engage? 

3. What could reduce disengagement? 
   • What changes to policy or practice could improve engagement in cases where the asylum system is the appropriate immigration route?  
   • Can people for whom asylum is not the right immigration route be guided to more suitable ones? 

The research will involve online interviews of experts, analysis of administrative data to identify trends in asylum claim withdrawals, interviews with asylum seekers, and thematic analysis to identify engagement factors and inform policy recommendations. 

How it will make a difference

Findings will be directly shared with key stakeholders, including the Home Office, charities, local authorities, parliamentarians, and immigration lawyers.