The United Kingdom government announced on Saturday a series of proposed changes to its asylum and refugee policies, which the Home Office described as the “largest overhaul of asylum policy in modern times.” The proposals, scheduled to be presented in Parliament on Monday by Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood, are aimed at reducing irregular immigration, according to the government.
The plan introduces several significant changes to the current system. Under the proposed framework, the duration of refugee status would be shortened from five years to 30 months. The Home Office stated this status would be subject to regular review, with a requirement for individuals to return to their home countries if conditions there are later deemed safe.
Furthermore, the proposals would extend the waiting period for refugees to apply for indefinite leave to remain, a form of permanent residency, to 20 years. In a statement, Interior Minister Mahmood said, “I’ll end UK’s golden ticket for asylum seekers.”
The plan also includes a proposal to revoke a 2005 law that established a statutory duty to provide support to asylum seekers. According to the ministry, this change would make the provision of housing and financial allowances discretionary. The government could then deny assistance to asylum seekers deemed able to support themselves or to those who have committed crimes.
The announcement follows the release of official data showing a rise in asylum applications. In the year ending March 2025, the UK received 109,343 asylum claims, a 17 percent increase from the previous year. The government also reported that over 39,000 people have arrived in the UK this year after crossing the English Channel in small boats.
The proposed policy changes have drawn responses from refugee advocacy organizations. Enver Solomon, head of the UK’s Refugee Council, said the measures would not deter people from trying to reach the country. “They should ensure that refugees who work hard and contribute to Britain can build secure, settled lives and give back to their communities,” Solomon stated.
Additionally, a group of over 100 British charities co-signed a letter to Mahmood, urging her to “end the scapegoating of migrants and performative policies that only cause harm.” The letter stated that such policies contribute to racism and violence.
The government has indicated the policy framework is modeled on Denmark’s immigration system. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration has stated its intention to reduce the number of migrants arriving via small boat crossings from France, a stated priority that was also a focus for the previous government.
