The UK government is preparing to introduce one of the “most significant” changes to the asylum system “in modern times.” Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood unveils strict new measures aimed at reducing illegal migration and tightening refugee protections.
Shabana said tackling illegal migration is a “moral mission” and warning that it is “tearing the country apart and dividing communities.”
She added, “People can see huge pressure in their communities… they can also see a system that is broken, where people are able to flout the rules, abuse the system and get away with it.”
Settlement extended to 20 years
The new policy states that individuals seeking asylum seekers protection will no longer automatically progress toward permanent settlement. However, after the implementation of incumbent policy change they will now need to wait 20 years, up from the current five.
Shabana said the reforms would “change the generations-old assumption that sanctuary provided to refugees can very quickly lead to permanent settlement.”
Refugee status will now be reviewed every two and a half years with the government able to revoke protection if a person’s home country is considered safe again.
Visa bans for non-cooperative countries
The Home Office also plans to suspend visas for Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo unless they “improve their co-operation” on taking back migrants who are being removed from the UK.
Support and housing changes
Home Secretary said the UK had “offered housing and support that exceeded its international obligations”, creating a “powerful pull factor.” Support will now be “discretionary” and asylum seekers who have the right to work but do not work may lose housing.
Political reactions
Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp called some of the measures “gimmicks”, though he said others were “steps in the right direction.”
Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said his party had “concerns” and repeated his call for asylum seekers to have the right to work.
Despite criticism, Mahmood emphasised her commitment: “I am the child of migrants myself… Immigration is absolutely woven into my experience as a Brit.”
She added, “This is a moral mission for me… illegal migration is tearing our country apart.”
