IMA encourages submissions to the UK Governments call for evidence for a new Independent Appeals Body
The Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens’ Rights Agreements (IMA) is encouraging anyone with relevant experience to respond to the UK Government’s call for evidence on the design of a new Independent Appeals Body to help reform Asylum and Immigration appeals.
The consultation, launched on 25 March 2026, seeks views on how to create a fairer and more efficient system. With the number of appeals growing in recent years, the First-Tier tribunal Immigration and Asylum chamber was managing an open caseload of 139,000 at the end of 2025 and with some mean wait times being 63 weeks.
It has been acknowledged that despite the efforts of those working within the current model that further steps (such as additional sitting days and recruitment of immigration judges) cannot deliver the scale of change and capacity required to meet demand. With delays and associated pressures expected to worsen, the UK Government is inviting public input on areas such as access to justice, expert evidence, adjudicator training, case management, digital processes and oversight, with submissions open until 22 April 2026.
The IMA recognises the impact that delays in decision making within immigration systems can have on citizens who want to make the UK their home. In its recent inquiry into delays in issuing decisions on applications to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) the IMA found that some decisions were not made within a reasonable time, breaching obligations under the Withdrawal and Separation Agreements (the Agreements). The inquiry also highlighted the impact that these types of delays can have on people’s lives, such as lost job opportunities, refused housing and difficulties travelling.
These findings reinforce the importance of building appeal systems that provide timely, fair and consistent outcomes. The IMA supports the development of systems that avoid unnecessary delays, ensure decision makers can work effectively without compounding pressures, and that individuals seeking to rely on critical rights are able to evidence their rights such as working, renting or access benefits.
The IMA understands the importance of shaping reforms that are led by those with real world experience and first-hand insight. Following its latest Inquiry the IMA was able to provide the Home Office with evidence based recommendations to strengthen its compliance with the Agreements and address systemic issues that can impact many people’s lives.
We encourage all those with relevant experience or insight to contribute to the consultation, so the new appeals body is shaped by those who understand the real world challenges of the current system.