Immigration and Asylum Tribunal orders Home Office to hear asylum claims of four Syrians as Dublin system is not working
News media reported yesterday that the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal has ordered that three unaccompanied Syrian teenagers and one dependant adult living in "intolerable" conditions in a refugee camp in Calais should be immediately brought to Britain to join their relatives.
The case was brought to court by Citizens UK, Islington Law Centre and Bhatt Murphy Solicitors.
Judge Mark Ockelton and Mr Justice Bernard McCloskey heard the case, the Guardian reported.
According to BBC News, the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal told the Home Office to process the asylum claims of the four Syrians because France had not already done so.
The Guardian reported that the Home Office had rejected their applications under the Dublin regulations, but the Syrians' lawyers successfully argued that the Dublin system is not working.
BBC News noted that none of the four Syrians had been able to make effective asylum claims in France, but they all have adult brothers who are legally settled in the UK as recognised refugees.
A spokesman for the judiciary told BBC News: "The tribunal has, subject to conditions, ordered that four individuals, who claim to be refugees, should, in the particular circumstances of their cases, be allowed to enter the UK. The tribunal's full judgement is expected within two weeks."
According to the Telegraph, the Home Office is understood to be preparing to appeal against the decision.
The Refugee Council said that despite the Government's plan to appeal, no 'stay' has been placed on the court's order, meaning the children and adult in Calais could be allowed to travel to Britain at the earliest opportunity.
George Gabriel of Citizens UK said: "We are delighted with the judgment and look forward to being able to see these families, who have been so cruelly separated by war; reunited and safe. This judgment highlights that there are safe, legal routes to reconnect families using the Dublin III regulations, and we hope will allow other families to be reunited."
Refugee Council Policy Manager Judith Dennis said: "This ruling has shone a welcome light on the plight of refugees seeking protection in Europe who are desperately trying to reach their relatives. Everyone has the right to live in safety with their loved ones. European governments must work together to ensure families are reunited safely and speedily, especially when it comes to children and other dependant family members."