An experienced asylum judge has spoken out anonymously about the broken state of the UK's immigration system, revealing that only 5 to 10 per cent of those he recommends for removal are actually deported. The judge, who has served for two decades, said the vast majority of claimants are economic migrants rather than genuine refugees.
He described cases where claimants fabricated stories, such as a middle-aged West African woman claiming to flee female genital mutilation by her elderly grandmother—a practice he noted is never carried out on mature women. Another case involved a Chinese claimant falsely alleging membership of the Falun Gong sect to avoid return.
The judge highlighted the abuse of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects family life. In one instance, a Muslim man with a wife and children in the UK married three additional wives abroad, and their children later claimed British nationality despite UK law not recognising polygamy—yet they succeeded on appeal.
Other examples include a West African girl who claimed rape and pregnancy but gave birth five months after the alleged incident, and a man who said he escaped child soldier captivity but walked 3,000 miles through jungle. Afghan child asylum seekers are given temporary leave, but many claim asylum again upon turning 18 to avoid deportation.
The judge noted that thousands of false and retrospective claims clog the system, often lodged years after arrival and only when authorities catch up. He spoke out without Home Office permission, remaining anonymous to avoid repercussions.
