Priti Patel is overhauling immigration reforms in the UK, but what does this mean for asylum seekers travelling to Scotland?
The Home Secretary announced the UK Government's Nationality and Borders Bill in Parliament on Tuesday, which included proposals to give Border Force powers to turn asylum seekers away.
It's been dubbed the "anti-refugee Bill" by numerous campaigners, but do the changes apply to Scotland?
What asylum reforms is Priti Patel introducing?
The Nationality and Borders Bill proposes numerous changes to the current asylum system in the UK, including:
- giving Border Control powers to turn away asylum seekers crossing the sea which could permit officers to use "reasonable force, if necessary"
- provisions to launch offshore processing centres which can send asylum seekers away while their claims are determined
- make it a criminal offence to arrive in the UK without permission
- increasing the maximum sentence for people entering UK "illegally" from six months to four years
Campaigners have deemed the proposals "cruel and counterproductive" and fear they may penalise those most in need of help.
What does this mean for asylum laws in Scotland?
Immigration is currently not devolved meaning the Scottish Government does not have the power to deliver tailored Scottish immigration policies.
This means that any new laws that are passed on immigration will apply to Scotland.
The SNP previously criticised the proposed offshore detention centres as "inhumane".
The SNP’s shadow home affairs secretary Stuart McDonald said: "It is horrifying that the Home Secretary is ploughing ahead with these plans, which ... would breach the UK’s obligations under Human Rights laws and the 1951 Refugee Convention.
"Scotland wants no part in these inhumane policies. As Scotland has shown by standing up for those who are at risk of being deported, we want a fair and humane migration system, which is based on compassion, dignity and respect. The only way we will get that is with independence."
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