In brief
- HC 259 changes to Part 11 of the Immigration Rules came into force on 3 August 2026.
- Paragraph 339NA now allows a personal interview to be omitted for EEA or Swiss nationals, or where a claim is clearly unfounded.
- "Merged registration" uses one interview instead of separate screening and asylum interviews, for a limited group of claims.
- Claims made before 3 August 2026 are decided under the earlier rules.
- The process was later renamed the "single protection interview", with guidance published in late September 2026.
On 3 August 2026, changes to the asylum rules in Statement of Changes HC 259 came into force. They allow some asylum claims to be registered, screened and assessed in one interview instead of two. The Home Office calls the process "merged registration".
What changed
The Government laid HC 259 before Parliament on 9 July 2026. It takes effect in two stages. A small number of provisions began on 30 July 2026. The rest, including the asylum changes in Part 11 of the Immigration Rules, apply from 3 August 2026.
HC 259 amends paragraph 339NA of the Immigration Rules. This paragraph lists the situations in which the Home Office may decide an asylum claim without a personal interview. Two new grounds are added:
- the applicant is a national of an EEA state or Switzerland; or
- the Secretary of State can conclude from the application that the claim is clearly unfounded.
The paragraph also makes clear that leaving out a separate personal interview does not stop the Secretary of State from deciding the claim.
What "merged registration" means
Until now, most people have had a screening interview, followed later by a separate asylum interview. According to the Explanatory Memorandum published with HC 259, merged registration uses one interview. It covers registering the claim, screening, and establishing and assessing the basis of the claim.
The rules themselves provide the legal framework. The detailed process was expected to be set out in guidance. The Home Office says that:
- claims that cannot be assessed in this way will be moved into the standard process;
- caseworkers have discretion to hold further interviews where more information is needed;
- claims will still be assessed individually, case by case; and
- people keep the opportunity to seek legal advice, provide relevant evidence and raise all the reasons why they cannot be removed before a decision is made.
Who is affected
The Home Office describes this as covering a limited number of claims that are likely to be clearly unfounded. This includes some claims from countries it regards as "manifestly safe". Guidance is expected to identify the categories of claim that are suitable. It does not apply to every asylum claim.
For the 3 August changes, applications made before that date are decided under the Rules in force on 2 August 2026. The new process therefore concerns claims made on or after 3 August 2026.
Points of concern
Refugee and legal-aid organisations have raised concerns. They note that many people have no legal representation at the initial screening stage. They also say some people may have fewer chances to explain their claim before a decision.
Commentators have also noted that the earlier requirement to give an applicant a reasonable opportunity to submit further information, where there was no interview, has been removed from the rules. The Home Office has said that applicants can still provide evidence and make representations.
People who are unsure how this affects them should take advice early. Our pages on human rights claims and appeals and judicial review explain related routes.
Since then
The process has since been renamed. Guidance was published in late September 2026, and "merged registration" became the "single protection interview". The guidance sets out a shortened process for claims that appear clearly unfounded. Where the interview provides enough information, the Home Office can refuse and certify the claim as clearly unfounded without a second interview. It is reported that applicants must be given at least five full working days after the recorded interview to send further representations before a decision. Claims from EU nationals are first considered under the inadmissibility process.
On 27 October 2026, a Home Office minister told the House of Lords that the new name better reflects the process. The minister said it is an operational process and does not change the legal tests for asylum, humanitarian protection or certification. The Home Office will consider sharing the interview script with expert stakeholders as part of its review.
How Garth Coates Solicitors can help
We advise on asylum, human rights claims and appeals. If you would like to discuss your situation, please request a consultation with our team.
This article is general information and was correct on 3 November 2026. It is not legal advice on your circumstances; immigration rules and fees change often. For advice on your case, request a consultation.
