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Home Office response to our asylum story

"All claims for asylum are considered carefully. In fact fewer claims from women are refused at the first stage than those of men.

Where we and the courts find that an individual has no need of our protection we expect them to return home - no failed asylum seeker would face destitution if they comply with our laws."

– Home Office

This is the response to our report on ITV London tonight, hearing the voices of asylum seekers in the capital, ahead of an inquiry beginning next month.

To watch Ria Chatterjee's report, click here

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Hounslow pair jailed over immigration scam

Santosh Koletti
Santosh Koletti who was jailed for the scam Credit: Home Office

Two men involved in an immigration scam have been jailed for a total of 11 years. An investigation by the UK Border Agency found that Srinath Aredla, 39, and Santosh Koletti, 33, both from Hounslow, set up three bogus companies which were fronts to help people remain in the UK illegally.

Srinath Aredla, a solicitor involved in the scam
Srinath Aredla, a solicitor involved in the scam Credit: Home Office

Senior investigating officer Robert Coxhead from the UK Border Agency, said:

“This was a sophisticated scam which netted the perpetrators a large amount of money – we estimate around £800,000.

"That Aredla was prepared to abuse his position as a practicing solicitor to help others break the law makes his offending all the more serious."

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