Artificial intelligence could help slash the asylum backlog


The new technology will revolutionise how vast swathes of data are assessed and analysed.

AI being developed is “extremely good at synthesising a lot of written information” and “answering questions”, said the PM’s expert Matt Clifford.

This means the technology will help caseworkers make far more decisions in a day.

Asked if AI could be used to help cut the asylum backlog or process benefits cases, Mr Clifford told the Daily Express: “There was a commitment made earlier this year to explore the case for using AI in public service reform.

“I think you can imagine, across any organisation, not just government, there’s a huge opportunity of productivity improvement.

“I know it is something the Government is exploring.”

At the end of June, there were 67,870 legacy asylum cases awaiting decision.

The Home Office says it will clear this by year’s end. But the Public Accounts Committee said the Home Office’s own analysis
suggests that even if this is done, there will still be a backlog of around 84,000 new asylum claims, or those made after June 2022.

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