UK govt set to reform asylum norms, refugees to face 20-year wait to settle permanently
The government has said that financial assistance to asylum seekers would become "discretionary", which implies that the administration would be able to deny the aid to those who are capable of working.
UK’s Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood plans to reform the asylum policy and amend laws that provide a guarantee to asylum seekers for housing. (Photo: @ukhomeoffice/ X)
The UK government is planning to reform the asylum system and is poised to announce on Monday that those people granted asylum in Britain will have to wait for at least 20 years before they can apply to settle permanently in the country, BBC reported. It is an attempt by the Prime Minister Keir Starmer-led government to quell the rising fears about immigration.
UK’s Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood plans to reform the asylum policy and amend laws that provide a guarantee to asylum seekers for housing and financial support as the British government seeks to reduce the small boat crossings and the number of asylum claims, The Guardian reported.
The government has said that financial assistance to asylum seekers would become “discretionary”, which implies that the administration would be able to deny the aid to those who are capable of working or who own assets.
On Monday, I will announce the most significant changes to our asylum system in modern times 👇 pic.twitter.com/eXAVYdD4kD
And people who are granted asylum would be allowed to live in the country temporarily, and their refugee status would be reviewed regularly, and those people whose home countries would be deemed safe by the authorities, would then be told to return. According to the current asylum rules, the refugee status lasts for five years after which people can apply for indefinite leave to stay in the UK.
The UK home secretary has pitched the asylum reforms proposal as “the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times”, designed to “restore control and fairness to the system”.
Secretary Mahmood said, “This country has a proud tradition of welcoming those fleeing danger, but our generosity is drawing illegal migrants across the Channel. The pace and scale of migration is placing immense pressure on communities.”
Story continues below this ad
A report stated that there are nearly 100,000 people in need of asylum support in the UK, a vast majority of them have been accommodated by the administration and about one-third remain in hotels. However, the ruling Labour party has vowed to end this practice by 2029.
Share
UK’s Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood plans to reform the asylum policy and amend laws that provide a guarantee to asylum seekers for housing. (Photo: @ukhomeoffice/ X) 
