Andrew - I recently read that UKBA accept 28% of re-appealed asylum claims - that's a heck of a lot of messed up applications! So it is not such a simple case of 'most failed asylum seekers are failed for a reason'. I think this stems from a very disbelieving attitude taken towards new asylum seekers. I agree that if someone an economic migrant tries to dress up as an asylum seeker then they shouldn't be here, but, from my experiences, it seems as if the UK treats them ALL (genuince and bogus) with disrespect and this has led to this high 28% of mistakes.

ISC "If these people were genuine they would stop in the nearest safe country and not cross Europe to take advantage of the gullible British tax payer."

The convention on refguees says NOTHING about having to flee only to the nearest safe country:
http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49da0e466.html

Not only that, but making a decision to escape is often done in haste - options are limited and the destination is often chosen by the smugglers not the individual asylum seekers. Most of them don't know they're coming to the UK until they arrive!

"Only those asylum seekers who choose not to return home are living in destitution, however it is not unreasonable to suggest if your claim has failed, what are you still doing here?"

They are trying to survive. Because they would rather live in destitution, putting up with ignorant bigots like you, than face being killed on arrival in their countries of origin.

And I'd like to see you livein the grimy hostels asylum seekers are put up in, 4 to a room and less than £5 a day to live off.

If we gave them permission to work, they would not have to take a penny.

Yes Shreen so genuine cases do fail, however when cases are decided subjectively that's what the system produces, unfortunately some bogus cases win. Similar to a job interview, not always the best candidate for the job is successful.

If someone has no legal basis to be here, then the UK has no obligation towards them, most failed asylum seekers are failed for a reason, they have no case yet they hang around in the UK because of the time and money they have invested in the journey to be here and to return home would be admitting defeat therefore they choose to reside here illegally, I do not see why we should be offering these people any sympathy, let alone benefits or work permission.

To grant every person who claims asylum work permission would only encourage more to come here.

Furthermore I know from my own experience that most asylum seekers who are granted work permission because they have been waiting 12 months or more for a decision choose not to work because it would mean paying tax/rent etc when it's far easier to have NASS take care of all that without lifting a finger.

This website details the benefits available to asylum seekers: http://www.gyros.org.uk/html/asylum_seekers.html

Following 6 years in immigration it became difficult and I eventually moved. I agree about 5-15% of cases would make me want to cry, the remainder were almost certainly bogus.

I never resented any asylum seeker for trying, but the lawyers were often detestable. So many lawyers appeal on the most petulant minute details that bore no relevance to the overall context.

Am I surprised that lawyers want to keep milking the cash cow that a bureaucratic system that keeps giving? I would almost prefer to kick the human rights lawyers out of the country.

"It is sad however that the majority of economic migrants parading as asylum seekers (I can't blame them, if I were in the same position I would probably do the same) tarnish the reputation of the genuine, honest claimants."

So you recognise that circumstances will often make people do things they would not normally do. Ask yourself what lengths you would go to stop yourself or your family from starving. You use figures to attempt to back up your point, where are you getting these from?
When you worked in the industry, did you voice these concerns about 90% of claims being bogus? Who to? Now you are no longer there you have lots to complain about, Why?

These same figures were used in the arguments to bring back hanging. Perhaps we should now bring back hanging because we got it right 90% and we can cross our fingers and hope circumstances don't put us or any member of our family in the bottom 10%

Just pray

Not jaded - just realistic based upon experience, the vast majority of my former colleagues are of the same opinion as me, it is sad that you are so gullible, you believe every single client that comes to you saying that they are at risk of persecution is being truthful?

Most asylum claimants stories have more holes in them than a tea bag.

It is sad however that the majority of economic migrants parading as asylum seekers (I can't blame them, if I were in the same position I would probably do the same) tarnish the reputation of the genuine, honest claimants.

Indeed, I think the oft-repeated cry of "but they're sponging off our benefits!" (which is, of course, untrue: asylum seekers are as you say not entitled) is indicative of the level of misinformation that tars the debate. People need to be informed before there can be a proper discussion.

"Asylum seekers and illegal immigrants have abused the system and continue to fleece the British Taxpayer of millions of pounds in benefits."

I can't believe such dangerously ill-informed views are still held by anyone. The tabloid press in this country are a truly dangerous force as long as they continue to be able to manipulate opinion in this way.

"Only those asylum seekers who choose not to return home are living in destitution, however it is not unreasonable to suggest if your claim has failed, what are you still doing here?"

Andrew - is it not conceivable that initial decisions are sometimes (rarely) incorrect? In some extreme cases I know the UKBA do not even bother to review all the evidence given in support of an asylum seekers claim. It is not impossible to me then, that some people who are denied refuge are actually part of your purported 10% of genuine cases!

A lot of people (not all) are wildly mis-informed. I've attempted to do my bit to help with a debunking of some of the simpler misconceptions surrounding asylum seekers here: http://tiny.cc/mythbust

Even more detailed information is available online for those that wish to educate themselves.

Of course, those that need educating are the least likely to do it themselves. :-/