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Great Britain’s asylum policy is undergoing drastic changes, including longer wait times for permanent residence and the forced return of individuals to their home country once deemed safe.
The change represents the biggest change in policy on asylum seekers in modern times, inspired by Denmark, which has one of the toughest policies in Europe and has been widely scrutinized by rights groups.
Britain’s Labor government is toughening its stance on immigration as it seeks to address the growing popularity of the populist Reform UK party, which has taken a hard-line stance on immigration and forced Labor to take a tougher stance.
The new changes include the repeal of the statutory duty to provide accommodation and financial support to some asylum seekers, the Home Office said in a statement.
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Migrants walk along the beach before trying to board an inflatable dinghy off the coast of northern France in an attempt to cross the English Channel to reach Britain at the beach of Petit-Fort-Philippe in Gravelines, near Calais, France, on September 27, 2025. (Reuters)
It also says refugees will have to wait 20 years to apply for permanent residence instead of the current five, the duration of initial refugee status will be reduced from five years to two and a half years, family reunification rules will be stricter and refugees will be encouraged or forced to return to their home country once deemed safe.
The department said the measures would apply to asylum seekers who can work but choose not to work, as well as those who break the law. Taxpayer-funded support will be prioritized for those who contribute to the economy and local communities.
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Migrants walk along the beach before trying to board an inflatable dinghy off the coast of northern France in an attempt to cross the English Channel to reach Britain, off the beach of Petit-Fort-Philippe in Gravelines, near Calais, France, on August 25, 2025. (Reuters)
The Home Office said the changes were aimed at making Britain less attractive to illegal immigrants and making it easier to remove people whose claims are rejected.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said, “This country has a proud tradition of welcoming those fleeing danger, but our generosity is attracting illegal immigrants.” “The pace and scale of migration is placing immense pressure on communities.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the changes were aimed at making Britain less attractive to illegal immigrants and making it easier to remove people whose claims have been rejected. (Getty Images)
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More than 100 British donors called on Mahmoud to “end scapegoating of migrants and demonstrative policies that only harm”, arguing that the measures are fueling racism and violence.
The UK Refugee Council said on Twitter that refugees do not compete across asylum systems when attempting to flee danger. It says they are aiming for the UK because of family ties, some knowledge of English or connections that can help them get started safely.
Reuters contributed to this report.
