The UK government is poised to introduce the most significant asylum reforms in decades, requiring refugees to wait 20 years before they can apply for permanent settlement, in a bid to curb illegal migration and small boat crossings. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to announce the comprehensive changes on Monday, framing them as essential to restoring order and control to the asylum system. The overhaul will shift from granting permanent protection to temporary status, with refugees’ cases reviewed every 30 months to assess if their home countries have become safe for return.
Under the new rules, the initial grant of refugee status will be reduced from five years to two and a half years, after which individuals must reapply. Those who arrive illegally will face a 20-year pathway to indefinite leave to remain, while legal arrivals will wait ten years, double the current period. This makes the UK’s settlement process the longest in Europe, surpassing Denmark’s eight-year model. The changes are designed to deter illegal migration by making the country less attractive to those seeking asylum through unauthorized means.
The reforms are largely inspired by Denmark’s stringent asylum policies, which have led to a 40-year low in asylum claims there. A UK delegation recently visited Copenhagen to study the approach, where temporary permits and conditional support are standard. Mahmood emphasized that the changes are necessary to address rising public concern, stating in a video that “illegal migration is tearing our country apart.” She highlighted the need for the Labour government to unite the nation amid growing divisions.
Political pressure has mounted from the right-wing Reform UK party, which advocates for freezing immigration and stopping small boats. Mahmood, herself the daughter of immigrants, may face resistance from progressive Labour MPs, but she argues that the government must act to counter surging anti-immigrant sentiment. Far-right demonstrations have erupted over asylum seeker housing, reflecting broader societal tensions. The reforms aim to balance control with the UK’s tradition of offering sanctuary to those fleeing danger.
Critics, including the Refugee Council, warn that the 20-year wait will leave refugees in prolonged uncertainty, hindering integration and contribution to society. Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said it would cause “tense anxiety for many, many years,” while Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesperson Max Wilkinson called for faster processing instead of prolonged waits. Human rights groups argue that the measures could undermine protection for genuine refugees and foster a hostile environment.
Asylum claims in the UK have surged, with 109,343 applications in the year to March 2025, a 17% increase, and over 39,000 small boat arrivals this year alone. The government spends heavily on support, with Mahmood noting that £700 million was allocated to the Rwanda deportation deal, which saw only four deportations. This financial strain and the rise in claims have fueled public anger and calls for more effective solutions.
The full details will be disclosed on Monday, including cuts to living allowances and enhanced removal mechanisms. While the government aims to reduce numbers and restore public confidence, the reforms are expected to face legal challenges and ongoing debate about their humanitarian impact. The outcome could shape UK immigration policy for years, influencing Europe’s approach to asylum and integration.
