Shabana Mahmood has unveiled a series of contentious changes to the UK’s asylum system, citing illegal migration as a divisive force in the nation. Among the new policies that have sparked significant criticism is the requirement for asylum recipients to wait 20 years before applying for permanent settlement, with their status up for review every two and a half years, as announced by the Home Secretary.
In addition to these measures, Mahmood has proposed abolishing the legal obligation to support asylum seekers and granting authorities the power to confiscate valuables from individuals arriving by small boats. These proposals have faced strong opposition from Labour backbenchers, human rights groups, and other opposition factions.
While some have condemned the reforms, including Labour MP Sarah Owen labeling them as “repugnant,” others like Richard Tice from Nigel Farage’s party have made jests about Mahmood’s stance. In a policy document released on Monday, Mahmood criticized past administrations for not demonstrating enough toughness in handling immigration issues, emphasizing the need to assert the country’s right to repatriate those without legal grounds to remain.
Under the proposed changes, asylum seekers and refugees are expected to receive less generous terms than they currently enjoy. One contentious proposal involves seizing assets, such as jewelry and high-value items like cars and e-bikes, from asylum applicants to cover accommodation expenses. However, family heirlooms and wedding rings are exempt from this measure.
The plan to confiscate assets is inspired by Denmark’s “jewelry law,” which permits authorities to take valuables from refugees. The government aims to make individuals contribute towards their asylum support costs if they possess assets or income insufficient for self-sustainability. Moreover, there will be efforts to recover support expenses when undisclosed assets become known later on.
In a significant shift, the Home Secretary has announced the removal of the legal obligation to provide support to asylum seekers, deeming it as “automatic handouts.” Going forward, housing and weekly allowances for asylum seekers will be discretionary rather than guaranteed, marking a departure from the existing system in place since 2005.
The government asserts that the UK’s asylum system has become a magnet for illegal migrants seeking to exploit its generosity. While refugees will still have access to public funds, consultations will explore potential measures requiring migrants to meet additional criteria to receive and retain benefits.
Under the new measures, individuals with the right to work in the UK but fail to support themselves may be denied housing and benefits. The government plans to sanction those who abuse the system and emphasize compliance with UK laws for receiving support.
Furthermore, the policy document outlines a provision to offer financial support for entire families, including children, to return to their home countries. This move aims to address the perceived reluctance in repatriating families that have been receiving long-term support in the UK.
In a significant policy shift, refugee status will now be temporary and subject to periodic review, with refugees being repatriated once their home countries are deemed safe. The pathway to permanent settlement will be extended to 20 years, a substantial increase from the current five-year requirement, as detailed in the document.
The government emphasizes that support will be contingent on compliance with UK laws, including behavior and relocation expectations. Additionally, new safe and legal routes to the UK will be introduced to deter risky journeys, such as crossing the English Channel in small boats.
To enhance age verification processes for asylum seekers claiming to be children, the Home Office plans to deploy Facial Age Estimation technology, trained on extensive image datasets, to verify individuals’ ages accurately and swiftly.
As part of the reforms, a new independent body, akin to Denmark’s model, will be established to expedite deportations, with a focus on removing dangerous criminals and individuals with minimal chances of successful asylum claims. The appeal process for failed asylum seekers will be streamlined, limiting them to a single appeal and prioritizing the deportation of serious offenders.
Visa restrictions will be imposed on countries that do not cooperate in accepting the return of criminals and failed asylum seekers, as announced by the Home Secretary. Nations like Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo risk visa bans if they do not improve collaboration on removals promptly.
Moreover, the government plans to introduce digital ID by 2029 to verify the right to work in the UK, aiming to curb illegal employment practices and deter the use of fraudulent documents by illegal workers.
The revised legislation also addresses the scenario of regime changes in countries of origin, indicating that individuals may be compelled to return if conditions shift, such as in the case of Syria following political transformations.
In line with efforts to reform the asylum system, the government intends to transition away from housing asylum seekers in hotels, drawing inspiration from other European countries’ models of large-scale asylum accommodations.
These changes reflect the government’s commitment to reshaping the UK’s asylum system, emphasizing compliance, efficiency, and a balanced approach to asylum support and deportations.
