In a significant policy change, UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to announce next week that asylum seekers in the UK will only be granted temporary status. This new approach, modeled on Denmark’s system, aims to reduce illegal immigration and make it easier to deport refugees once their home countries are deemed safe.
What’s Changing in the UK’s Asylum Policy?
Under the new reforms, refugees granted asylum in the UK will no longer be given indefinite leave to remain after five years. Instead, their refugee status will be temporary and subject to regular reviews. As soon as the government deems a refugee’s home country safe, the individual will be expected to return.
Currently, those granted asylum in the UK can apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years, a step that can lead to British citizenship. This longstanding policy is being overhauled in a bid to make the UK less attractive to illegal immigrants and to expedite the removal process for those who no longer qualify for protection.
Home Secretary’s Rationale Behind the Reform
In a statement to the PA News Agency, an ally of Home Secretary Mahmood emphasized the significant shift in refugee policy, calling it the most significant since World War II. “Today, becoming a refugee equals a lifetime of protection in Britain. Mahmood will change that, making refugee status temporary and subject to regular review,” the ally stated.
Mahmood has argued that the previous government wasted years and resources, including the controversial £700 million Rwanda deportation scheme, instead of tackling the rising number of asylum claims. She also pointed to the record levels of immigration raids and arrests under the Labour government, which has removed nearly 50,000 individuals without the right to be in the UK.
Increasing Numbers of Asylum Seekers
The number of asylum applications in the UK has surged in recent months, with 39,075 people arriving so far in 2025, already surpassing the totals for 2023 and 2024. The rise in asylum claims is putting pressure on the UK’s immigration system, and this reform seeks to address concerns that the country has become an increasingly popular destination for asylum seekers.
Despite efforts to deter illegal crossings, including a pilot scheme with France to return migrants, the UK continues to see high numbers of arrivals. The scheme, introduced in August, has successfully removed 113 individuals but has also allowed 92 to arrive through an approved safe route.
Other Expected Changes
Alongside the temporary refugee status, Mahmood is expected to announce additional changes to the asylum process on Monday, including:
- Public Safety Over Migrant Rights: Judges will be required to prioritize public safety over migrants’ rights to a family life or protection from inhuman treatment if they are returned to their home country.
- Tighter Family Reunions: The UK is looking into Denmark’s stricter rules on family reunification for refugees. Research suggests that policies discouraging asylum seekers from bringing family members could impact the number of asylum applications.
- Deterrence Policies: While studies indicate that negative national branding has limited asylum applications in Denmark, some argue that deterrence policies may not be as effective in the UK. Despite this, the government is continuing to push for stronger measures to reduce the number of people crossing the English Channel.
Reactions and Criticism
The proposed changes have drawn mixed reactions. Advocates for refugees and human rights groups argue that making refugee status temporary will only further destabilize the lives of vulnerable individuals, many of whom have already fled persecution. Critics of the government’s approach warn that the new measures will harm legitimate asylum seekers and could lead to increased hardship for those already living in the UK on temporary status.
Meanwhile, supporters of the reform, including Mahmood herself, argue that it is essential to address the growing number of asylum claims and create a system that is fairer and more sustainable for the UK.
What’s Next for the UK Asylum System?
The Home Secretary’s announcement on Monday will mark a turning point in the UK’s asylum policy. The government is expected to continue monitoring the effectiveness of these reforms in the coming months. As the debate over asylum policy rages on, the UK faces ongoing challenges in balancing immigration control with humanitarian obligations.
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This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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