The UK government has announced changes to asylum laws, denying asylum to individuals convicted of sexual offences, in addition to existing rules barring terrorists, war criminals, and those with serious criminal convictions. The changes, part of an amendment to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, aim to address cases like that of Abdul Ezedi, a convicted sex offender granted asylum in 2020, who later committed violent acts.

The amendment introduces a 24-week target for appeal decisions to reduce the asylum backlog and end the use of taxpayer-funded asylum hotels. The Home Office plans to use AI to streamline asylum claim processing and implement stricter measures for foreign offenders, such as electronic tagging and curfews.

While some, like the Refugee Council, support faster resolutions, concerns have been raised about potential flaws in AI decisions and the practicality of the appeal targets. The Conservatives criticized the measures as insufficient, highlighting ongoing challenges with border control and asylum claims.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/apr/28/foreign-sex-offenders-will-be-banned-from-claiming-asylum-in-the-uk-says-home-office