The UK government is set to implement sweeping asylum reforms that will require refugees arriving illegally to wait 20 years before applying for permanent settlement. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood unveiled the plans, describing them as necessary to control illegal migration and restore public trust.
The proposed changes represent the most significant overhaul of the UK’s asylum system since the Second World War. Under the new rules, refugee status will become temporary, with reviews every 30 months to assess if home countries have become safe. This shift aims to end the perception of asylum as a “golden ticket” to lifelong settlement in Britain, addressing concerns that the current system encourages illegal entries.
Specifically, the 20-year qualifying period will apply to individuals who enter the UK illegally, such as via small boats or hidden in lorries, and then claim asylum. It will also affect those who overstay visas and subsequently seek protection. The current system, established in 2005, allows refugees to apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years, providing access to benefits and a path to citizenship, but the reforms seek to lengthen this pathway drastically for illegal arrivals.
However, the reforms include mitigations for skilled refugees, enabling them to reduce the 20-year wait by entering designated work or study routes. Mahmood explained that the system will reward contribution, allowing those who integrate and work to accelerate their settlement. Additionally, a separate 10-year pathway will be created for refugees who arrive through legal, specific settlement routes, ensuring that those following proper channels face a shorter wait.
The plans are modelled on Denmark’s immigration system, which has seen asylum applications drop to a 40-year low with a 95% rejection rate. By adopting a similar approach, the UK government hopes to deter illegal crossings and reduce the number of asylum claims. Mahmood emphasized that the goal is to change the calculus for those considering dangerous journeys, making it clear that illegal migration will not lead to quick settlement.
Further measures include revoking the statutory duty to provide support for asylum seekers, reverting to discretionary powers. This means housing and weekly allowances could be withdrawn from those who have the right to work but choose not to, or from those who break the law. The government also plans reforms to the application of the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly articles on family life and torture, which have been cited as obstacles to removing illegal migrants.
Politically, the reforms have sparked controversy, with some Labour MPs labeling them as “racist” and akin to far-right policies. Refugee advocacy groups, such as the Refugee Council, have criticized the plans as “harsh and unnecessary,” arguing they won’t deter genuine refugees fleeing persecution. Despite this, Mahmood asserts that the changes are essential to address voter concerns about fairness and control, even in diverse constituencies.
Looking ahead, Mahmood is expected to announce the full details of the reforms on Thursday, with the changes applying only to new arrivals. The government aims to balance humanitarian responsibilities with the need to manage migration flows, signaling a tough stance on illegal entry while providing structured pathways for those in genuine need, ultimately seeking to unite the country and reduce divisions.
