Most Significant Asylum Reforms in a Generation
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will tomorrow reveal radical plans to transform Britain's asylum system, including quadrupling the waiting period for permanent settlement from five to twenty years. Officials have described the current system as providing a 'golden ticket' for asylum seekers, which the new measures aim to end.
Ending Automatic Benefits and Support
The proposals include scrapping automatic state handouts to many asylum seekers and restricting their access to other benefits. The Home Secretary will propose revoking the statutory legal duty to provide asylum-seeker support, which currently includes housing and weekly allowances of £49.
Under the new system, asylum seekers who have the right to work but choose not to would be denied benefits. There are currently 8,500 people in asylum accommodation on visas with the right to work who would be affected by this change.
Danish-Inspired Hardline Approach
The reforms are based on hardline Danish laws introduced in 2016, which have led to a 40-year low in asylum claims in Denmark. Home Office sources confirmed that the UK's 20-year qualifying period would be the longest route to settlement in Europe, exceeding even Denmark's eight-year pathway.
The extended settlement period will apply specifically to those who arrive illegally - such as in small boats or lorries - and claim asylum, or those who overstay their visas and then claim protection.
Political Backlash and Support
The plans have already sparked significant controversy, particularly among Labour's Left-wing MPs. Labour MP Nadia Whittome has previously described some of the Danish reforms as 'undeniably racist'.
However, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has offered to work with the Government to deliver meaningful reform, while warning that Labour might struggle to get the changes past their Left-wing backbenchers.
According to Labour insiders, Ms Mahmood has told colleagues she would do 'the unthinkable for a Labour Home Secretary'. The reforms also include no longer granting permanent asylum to refugees, instead reviewing their status every two to three years.
Home Office sources highlighted that Denmark has not only reduced asylum applications to a 40-year low but has also successfully removed 95% of rejected asylum seekers. They argued that the UK currently offers a package of benefits and support that far exceeds international obligations.
