Record Backlogs in the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal: What the Latest AJC Report Reveals
On March 10, 2026, the Administrative Justice Council (AJC) published a new report detailing the impact of digitisation and current pressures on the modernised tribunal system.
For individuals currently navigating asylum appeals, the report paints a concerning picture of a system under significant strain. Key findings from the AJC and reports from Free Movement highlight:
- A Massive Backlog: There are currently over 79,000 cases backlogged at the tribunal, representing an 81% increase in caseload.
- Severe Understaffing: One team of legal officers reported facing 19,000 outstanding tasks with a team of just 20 members to process them.
- Extended Wait Times: The mean time for a case to pass through the system has now stretched to a staggering 63 weeks.
It is clear that the Immigration and Asylum Chamber is facing unprecedented challenges, requiring applicants to prepare for extended delays.