Backlog of asylum claims in Australia may incentivise unworthy applications, advocates say

Refugee Council says long wait times mean people can stay in the country for years during processing

Waiting times of up to eight years to process and review asylum claims are creating an incentive for unmeritorious applications, the Refugee Council of Australia warns.

The council’s submission to the government’s migration review says asylum seekers face delays of more than two years for the home affairs department to assess a claim, and there is a backlog of 38,000 cases – or six years worth – in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal if they seek a review.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup