Bungling Home Office Bosses Lose Track of Asylum Seekers

More than 17,000 migrants have disappeared without a trace, according to a candid admission from Home Office officials. Sir Matthew Rycroft and Simon Ridley, civil servants at the Home Office, were grilled by MPs on the whereabouts of 17,316 asylum seekers whose claims were withdrawn last year. The officials confessed that they do not know the location of most of these individuals.

Clueless Mandarins Face Criticism from MPs

The Home Office bosses faced criticism from MPs during their appearance at the Commons hearing. In response to questions about the missing asylum seekers, Simon Ridley admitted that he had no idea where the majority of them were. Tory MP Tim Loughton expressed disbelief at the officials' lack of knowledge. The MPs also questioned the officials on the number of small boat arrivals that had been sent back in the past three years, to which the Home Office officials could not provide an answer.

Missing Asylum Seekers and Detention Powers

Most asylum seekers are not detained and are therefore free to move around as long as they regularly check in with the Home Office. New powers to detain and remove illegal migrants have not been used due to legal obstacles. The Rwanda plan, which involves sending illegal migrants to Rwanda, has been hampered by court challenges. Shadow Immigration Minister Stephen Kinnock criticized the Home Office for allowing 17,000 asylum seekers to go missing under the Tories.

Home Office's Lack of Information

The lack of information from the Home Office officials drew further condemnation from MPs. Lee Anderson, a member of the Red Wall, expressed astonishment that the officials seemed clueless about various issues raised during the hearing. Labour's Home Affairs Committee chair Dame Diana Johnson questioned the officials' ability to provide any figures. Despite the lack of clarity, Sir Matthew Rycroft mentioned that Britain was making additional payments to Rwanda, although the exact amount would only be disclosed annually.

Revelation Sparks Astonishment

The revelation that over 17,000 migrants have vanished without a trace has been met with astonishment. Labour's shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper described the admission as "astonishing." Sir Matthew Rycroft revealed that officials are finalizing a new treaty with Rwanda in the hopes of resuming removal flights.