Financial assistance for individuals seeking asylum is anticipated to be reduced significantly as part of a substantial immigration reform initiative. Following the model adopted in Denmark, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is preparing to introduce a series of changes to the asylum system with the goal of making the UK a less appealing destination for migrants and facilitating their removal from the country.
According to the Home Office, these modifications will align the UK with global norms in dealing with asylum seekers. However, the Refugee Council has expressed concerns that the reforms could result in an increase in migrant homelessness.
Under the proposed reforms, the legal obligation to provide support to asylum seekers, established in 2005 through EU legislation, is expected to be revoked. Consequently, access to housing and weekly allowances will no longer be guaranteed. Additionally, individuals who have the right to work in the UK but choose not to support themselves may face denial of housing and benefits. Furthermore, asylum seekers who breach the law could have their support withdrawn.
In a parliamentary address, the Home Secretary is also likely to announce that refugee status will become temporary and subject to regular review. Refugees will be repatriated once their home countries are deemed safe. Currently, individuals granted refugee status have a five-year period before being eligible to apply for permanent residency and citizenship.
The upcoming changes may also include a directive for judges to prioritize public safety over migrants’ rights to family life and the potential risk of facing inhumane treatment upon return to their home nations.
In response to the upcoming reforms, Enver Solomon, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council, criticized the plans as overly harsh and unnecessary. Solomon emphasized that the current asylum system is already challenging to navigate, especially with restrictions on employment during the asylum process and limited time to secure permanent housing after obtaining refugee status.
Drawing inspiration from Denmark’s stringent asylum policies, UK officials have sought to replicate the success of Denmark in deterring illegal migration and enhancing deportation rates. Key Home Office representatives visited Copenhagen earlier this year to study Denmark’s approach to asylum policies.
