In 1989 when the Turkish military stepped up its activities against Kurds in South-East Turkey, Turkish citizens were made visa nationals. The same restriction was imposed on citizens of most former Yugoslavian states at the height of th Balkan conflict in 1992. The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 extends these provisions to cover lorries and Eurostar also, meaning that there is now no legal means by which someone in fear of their life can reach the UK for safety. The Asylum Process Despite the obstacles thrown in their way, people still manage to get to the UK to claim asylum. But not without experiencing considerable anxiety and distress.
Many refugees arrive in Britain traumatised and terrified of being sent back.
When someone claims for asylum on arrival, it is common for them to be subjected to long interviews by Immigration Officers just hours after they arrive and before they have a chance to get advice or representation. At this stage, most are afraid, disorientated and tired from the long journey. Unsurprisingly, they sometimes leave out important information or get some facts wrong when giving their account of persecution. Most refugees do not know what the Home Office requires of them. They are not aware that the Home Office expects them to provide evidence eg documents to support their asylum claims.