“Indian travelers should be aware of the recent disturbances in some parts of the United Kingdom,” the advisory stated. “The High Commission of India in London is closely monitoring the situation. Visitors from India are advised to stay vigilant and exercise due caution while traveling in the UK.”

Advisory Details

The advisory emphasized the importance of staying informed by following local news and security advisories. It recommended avoiding areas where protests are underway and provided emergency contact details for the High Commission of India in case of an urgent situation.

This cautionary message follows the government’s strong response to the recent violence. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a statement from Downing Street, affirmed that those involved in violent disorder, including attacks on police, local communities, and acts of arson and looting, would face severe legal consequences.

Government Response

UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper reinforced this stance, stating, “As a nation, we will not tolerate criminal behavior, dangerous extremism, and racist attacks that go against everything our country stands for.”

Prime Minister Starmer further declared, “This is not protest. It is organized, violent thuggery. And it has no place on our street or online.” He assured the public that the police are actively making arrests and that individuals involved will be held on remand, with charges and convictions to follow.

Safety Measures

In light of these events, the High Commission advises Indian travellers to remain alert and take necessary precautions. Staying informed through local media and avoiding protest-prone areas are crucial steps to ensure safety. The High Commission also provided emergency contact information for Indian citizens who might need assistance.

This advisory aims to protect Indian citizens traveling to the UK by keeping them informed about the current situation and advising on safety measures. With the UK government’s firm stance against the recent violent activities, it is expected that law and order will be restored soon.

The designation of a country as “safe” implies that it is generally free from systematic persecution, torture, or inhuman treatment. While individuals from these countries can still apply for international protection in Ireland, they will need to provide compelling evidence to support their claims. Officials stress that the designation of a state as a safe country of origin does not mean that a claim for asylum is inadmissible for anyone coming from that country, or that a person cannot make an application. Instead, it places the onus on the applicant to demonstrate why their case is exceptional and why they are in need of protection.

Currently, Ireland’s safe countries list includes ten other nations: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Georgia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and South Africa. The introduction of accelerated processing has significantly reduced the number of applications from these countries, with a reported drop of over 50% since the procedures were introduced in November 2022.

Minister McEntee also highlighted an increase in prosecutions and imprisonments of asylum seekers arriving without proper documentation. This move aims to ensure that those in genuine need of protection receive timely assistance while maintaining the integrity of the asylum process. Over 100 people have been prosecuted this year for arriving without appropriate documentation, with more than 80 cases resulting in imprisonment.

The updated list of safe countries is part of Ireland’s broader efforts to manage immigration effectively and provide protection to those who genuinely need it.