Major changes in financial assistance for asylum seekers are on the horizon as part of a significant immigration crackdown in recent history.
Taking a cue from Denmark’s approach, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is gearing up to introduce a series of reforms to the asylum system with the objective of reducing the appeal of Britain to migrants and facilitating their removal from the UK.
The Home Office asserts that these adjustments align the UK more closely with international norms, though the Refugee Council warns that the measures could lead to an increase in migrants resorting to rough sleeping.
One of the key reforms proposed by Ms. Mahmood involves abolishing the legal obligation to provide support for asylum seekers, a requirement established in 2005 under EU legislation.
This entails that accommodation and weekly allowances will no longer be automatically guaranteed. Additionally, individuals with the ability to work in the UK and sustain themselves but choose not to do so could face denial of housing and benefits due to this policy change. Furthermore, asylum seekers who breach the law may lose their entitlement to support.
In an announcement to be made in the Commons, the Home Secretary is expected to reveal that refugee status will become temporary and subject to periodic review. Refugees will be repatriated once their home countries are considered safe.
Currently, individuals granted refugee status have it for five years, after which they can seek indefinite leave to remain in the UK and pursue a path to citizenship.
Further anticipated changes include instructing judges to prioritize public safety over migrants’ rights to family life or the potential risk of facing “inhuman” treatment upon return to their home country.
The Home Secretary stated, “While our nation has a proud tradition of welcoming those escaping peril, the attraction of illegal migrants crossing the channel is a concern. The current rate and volume of migration are creating significant strain on communities.
“This week, I will outline the most extensive changes to our asylum system in years, aiming to restore order and oversight to our borders.”
Drawing insights from Denmark’s stringent asylum policies, ministers have sought to emulate an approach that has reduced incentives for people to migrate to the country and increased the deportation of illegal migrants.
High-ranking officials from the Home Office visited Copenhagen earlier this year to study Denmark’s asylum strategies.
Enver Solomon, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council, criticized the proposed plans, stating that they are severe and unnecessary, unlikely to dissuade individuals who have experienced persecution, torture, or witnessed atrocities in wars.
“Under the existing regulations, individuals are prohibited from working while awaiting an asylum decision, and upon receiving refugee status, most have less than