Five asylum applications made in Jersey over five years, minister confirms

Five people have applied for asylum in Jersey over the past five years, but none has been successful, the island’s home affairs minister has confirmed.

Senator Helen Miles said all five applications were handled by the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service and resulted in the applicants being returned to a “safe third country”.

Her comments came in response to a written question from Deputy Montfort Tadier about immigration to the island.

Under Jersey’s immigration legislation, people seeking asylum must attend a screening interview. While their applications are being considered, they are not entitled to public funds and are prohibited from working.

The law also provides for asylum claims deemed inadmissible to be refused, with applicants normally denied entry and returned to the safe country from which they travelled to Jersey.