Introduction
Lee Hsien Yang, the younger brother of Singapore’s former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, has applied for political asylum in the United Kingdom, sparking a major political controversy in Singapore. This article explores the reasons behind Lee’s decision, its potential impact on Singapore’s politics, and the wider implications for asylum-seekers and political exiles around the world.
Reasons for Lee’s Decision
Lee has cited several reasons for seeking asylum in the UK, including:
- Political Persecution: Lee claims to have been the subject of political persecution by the Singapore government, which he alleges has targeted him and his family with legal and financial pressure.
- Loss of Faith in Singapore’s Justice System: Lee has expressed doubts about the independence and fairness of Singapore’s legal system, stating that he has lost faith in its ability to provide him with a fair trial.
- Threats to Family: Lee’s wife, Lee Suet Fern, is a doctor who has been practicing in Singapore for over 30 years. Lee claims that the Singapore government has threatened to revoke her medical license, putting their family’s livelihood at risk.
Impact on Singapore’s Politics
Lee’s decision to seek asylum in the UK has sent shockwaves through Singapore’s political establishment. The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), which has governed Singapore since independence in 1965, has accused Lee of “treason” and “betrayal.” The government has also denied Lee’s allegations of political persecution and has vowed to “deal with him accordingly.”
Lee’s application for asylum has further strained relations between Singapore and the UK. The British government has declined to comment on Lee’s case, but has stated that it considers asylum applications “on their individual merits and in accordance with our international obligations.”
Wider Implications
Lee’s decision to seek asylum in the UK has broader implications for asylum-seekers and political exiles worldwide. It raises questions about the responsibility of countries to provide sanctuary to those fleeing persecution and the extent to which political asylum can be used to escape justice.
Asylum Statistics
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there were approximately 4.2 million asylum-seekers worldwide in 2021, the highest number since World War II. The top five countries of origin for asylum-seekers were Afghanistan, Syria, Venezuela, South Sudan, and Myanmar.
Country Rankings
The US Resettlement Support Center (USRSC) publishes an annual report on the number of refugees admitted to each country worldwide. In 2021, the US admitted the highest number of refugees (67,789), followed by Canada (26,244) and Germany (25,548).
Admission Criteria
Most countries have strict criteria for granting asylum, which typically include:
- Well-Founded Fear of Persecution: Applicants must have a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
- Inability to Return to Home Country: Applicants must be unable or unwilling to return to their home country due to fear of persecution.
- No Prior Exclusion: Applicants must not have committed any serious crimes or engaged in terrorism.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between asylum and refugee status?
Asylum is temporary protection granted to individuals who fear persecution in their home country. Refugee status is a permanent legal status granted to individuals who have been recognized as refugees by the UNHCR or a government authority.
2. Can asylum-seekers work in the UK?
Asylum-seekers in the UK are not usually allowed to work while their applications are being processed. However, they may be granted permission to work if they have been in the UK for more than 12 months and have not received a decision on their asylum application.
3. What are the chances of being granted asylum in the UK?
According to the UK Home Office, the grant rate for asylum applications in 2021 was 54%. The grant rate varies depending on the country of origin and the grounds for the asylum application.
4. Can asylum-seekers appeal a negative decision?
Asylum-seekers who are refused asylum can appeal the decision to the Immigration and Asylum Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal.
5. What are the consequences of having an asylum application refused?
Asylum-seekers who have their applications refused may be deported to their home country. However, they may also be eligible to remain in the UK if they can demonstrate that they face a real risk of persecution if they return home.
6. What is the UK government’s policy on asylum-seekers?
The UK government has a “hostile environment” policy towards asylum-seekers, which makes it difficult for them to access housing, healthcare, and other essential services. The government has also been criticized for its use of detention centers to hold asylum-seekers.
Tables
| Table 1: Top 5 Countries of Origin for Asylum-Seekers in 2021 |
|—|—|
| Afghanistan | 2.2 million |
| Syria | 1.2 million |
| Venezuela | 687,000 |
| South Sudan | 415,000 |
| Myanmar | 378,000 |
| Table 2: Top 5 Countries for Refugee Resettlement in 2021 |
|—|—|
| US | 67,789 |
| Canada | 26,244 |
| Germany | 25,548 |
| Australia | 24,391 |
| France | 22,549 |
| Table 3: Asylum Grant Rates in the UK by Country of Origin (2021) |
|—|—|
| Afghanistan | 82% |
| Syria | 80% |
| Eritrea | 79% |
| Iran | 70% |
| Iraq | 69% |
| Table 4: Outcomes of Asylum Applications in the UK (2021) |
|—|—|
| Granted asylum | 35,933 |
| Granted other forms of leave to remain | 5,865 |
| Refused | 25,991 |
| Withdrawn | 10,617 |
| Pending | 109,507 |
