Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 is a UK law that sets rules for how people can seek asylum—protection for those fleeing persecution in their home countries. It established processes for asylum applications, including the right to appeal decisions and the use of “detained fast track” for quick processing. The act also made provisions for the support of asylum seekers, defining who qualifies for help. Importantly, it aimed to balance the need for humanitarian protection with the control of illegal immigration, ensuring that those genuinely in need could seek safety while discouraging fraudulent claims.