The UK government has announced significant changes to its refugee policy, which may compel established refugees, including those from Ukraine, to return to their home countries if deemed safe. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood outlined these plans, stating that the asylum system is “out of control” and placing immense pressure on local communities.
Under the proposed reforms, refugees will no longer enjoy permanent status. Instead, they will need to reapply for their residency every two and a half years. Mahmood stated that those granted asylum could be returned to their home countries when conditions are considered safe, a policy inspired by Denmark’s controversial approach to asylum seekers. Currently, refugees in the UK receive protection for five years, after which they can apply for indefinite leave to remain, paving the way toward British citizenship.
The new policy would also mandate that individuals arriving illegally must wait 20 years before being eligible for permanent settlement. Mahmood emphasized that these changes would primarily affect new arrivals.
In addressing criticism regarding the government’s stance, Mahmood remarked, “I am the child of migrants myself. My parents came to this country lawfully in the late ‘60s and in the ‘70s. Immigration is absolutely woven into my experience as a Brit and also that of thousands of my constituents.” She reiterated that tackling illegal migration is essential for community cohesion and that the current system is perceived as broken.
Details of the Proposed Reforms
Mahmood highlighted that the new reforms will challenge the long-standing assumption that refugees granted sanctuary in the UK are entitled to immediate permanent residency. “If you are working and contributing, you will be able to earn an earlier settlement,” she noted, suggesting that this approach aims to promote fairness and encourage contributions to society.
Ukrainians, who have arrived in the UK under a specific scheme, are currently in a temporary arrangement. Mahmood confirmed that these individuals are not classified as refugees under traditional definitions. “It is a bespoke scheme for Ukrainians, which I’m very proud that this country did, and we will always fulfil our obligations under that scheme,” she stated. Many of these individuals hope to return to Ukraine once the conflict concludes.
The Home Secretary pointed out that the current laws allow asylum seekers greater access to protected accommodation compared to British citizens, particularly in cases involving anti-social behaviour and council housing. Approximately 10% of individuals in asylum accommodation are permitted to work, though there is no requirement for them to do so. Mahmood plans to amend these rules to ensure that asylum seekers comply with UK laws and regulations.
The proposed changes also include making assistance for asylum seekers discretionary, allowing the government to deny support to those who have the capacity to work or possess assets. Mahmood has characterized this reform package as “the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times,” aiming to restore control and fairness within the system.
There are currently around 100,000 individuals receiving asylum support in the UK, with a significant portion accommodated by the state. Approximately one-third are housed in hotels, a practice that the Labour Party has pledged to end by 2029.
Use of Technology in Age Assessment
In a separate announcement, the Home Office revealed plans to utilize artificial intelligence to assess the ages of migrants who entered the country illegally. The aim is to address inaccuracies in current assessment methods, which have resulted in minors being misclassified as adults. The new facial age-estimation technology, trained on thousands of images, is expected to be more accurate and cost-effective than existing methods. However, this move has raised concerns among migrant rights organizations, who fear it may incorrectly classify children as adults, potentially placing vulnerable individuals at greater risk.
Overall, the proposed reforms mark a significant shift in the UK’s approach to refugees and asylum seekers. The government’s focus on re-evaluating asylum status and compliance with legal standards aims to reshape the landscape of immigration and support for those seeking refuge in the UK.
