Safe Countries & Accelerated Procedure

Currently the countries included on the list are:

• Algeria
• Albania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Botswana
• Brazil
• Egypt
• Georgia
• India
• Kosovo
• North Macedonia
• Malawi
• Montenegro
• Morocco
• Serbia
• South Africa

Please keep an eye on this page because the list could be updated. 

People who come from "Safe" countries can apply for asylum however they will probably be subject to an accelerated procedure. This means that the IPO may try to process their application very quickly.

If you are from a "Safe" country, the IPO will probably inform you of the date for your substantive interview on the day you apply for asylum. The interview could take place within a couple of weeks. Therefore, it is especially important that you apply for legal aid as soon as possible.

Not necessarily, even if you are from a safe country, you may be granted refugee status or subsidiary protection.

This is because the IPO must take into account your individual circumstances before making a decision on your case. As an applicant from a safe country, you may be expected to provide more evidence as to why it is not safe for you to return to your country. 

Yes, if you receive a negative first instance decision, you can appeal this decision to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT), with the help of your lawyer.

However, if you are subject to the accelerated procedure, the IPAT might request that the appeal take place without an oral hearing. This means that the IPAT would make a decision on your appeal based on written submissions from your lawyer. You would not have an opportunity to speak to the judge who is making the decision. 

Please note, your lawyer can ask the IPAT to conduct an oral hearing. The IPAT can agree to this or refuse. 

No, Nigeria and Jordan have not been added to the list. 

However, they are currently subject to the accelerated procedure, like "safe countries". 

Because the IPO have decided to accelerate applications from the top 2 countries of origin with the highest number of applicants in the previous three months. For now, this is Nigeria and Jordan however it should be reviewed and may be subject to change.

Please see here and here for more information.

If you have received your first instance decision from the IPO within 6 months of applying for International Protection, you are not eligible for Labour Market Access and your application for a work permit will be refused. 

This is most likely to impact people from Safe countries.