Major changes are looming for asylum seekers as financial support is on the chopping block in what is being termed as the most significant immigration crackdown in recent history.
Following the model adopted in Denmark, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is preparing to introduce a series of reforms to the asylum system with the goal of reducing the attractiveness of Britain to migrants and streamlining their removal from the UK.
The Home Office argues that these changes will bring the UK more in line with global standards, but the Refugee Council warns that the reforms could result in more migrants being left to fend for themselves on the streets.
One of the key reforms proposed by Ms. Mahmood is to eliminate the legal obligation to provide support to asylum seekers, a requirement that was established in 2005 under EU law.
This means that housing and weekly allowances will no longer be assured. Additionally, individuals who have the right to work in the UK but choose not to support themselves could also be denied housing and benefits due to this policy change. Asylum seekers who breach the law may also face a cessation of 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 regular assessments under the proposed reforms. Refugees will be repatriated once their home countries are deemed safe.
Currently, those granted refugee status hold it for five years and can subsequently apply for indefinite leave to remain, paving the way for potential citizenship.
Other anticipated changes include a directive for judges to prioritize public safety over migrants’ right to family life or the risk of facing inhumane treatment upon return to their native land.
Addressing the issue, the Home Secretary stated, “While our nation has a rich history of offering sanctuary to those escaping peril, the influx of illegal migrants crossing the channel has raised concerns. The rate and volume of migration are straining our communities.
“This week, I will outline the most extensive adjustments to our asylum system in decades. We aim to restore order and oversight to our borders.”
Officials in the Home Office have taken cues from Denmark’s stringent asylum policies, where a seemingly progressive administration has successfully curbed incentives attracting individuals to the country and bolstered the expulsion of illegal migrants.
Earlier this year, senior Home Office representatives visited Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, to study the country’s asylum strategies.
Enver Solomon, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council, criticized the proposed changes, stating, “These severe and needless plans will not dissuade individuals who have faced persecution, torture, or witnessed family members perish in violent conflicts.
“Under existing regulations, individuals are prohibited from working while awaiting an asylum decision, and upon receiving refugee status, most individuals have less than a month to secure housing. The system is already challenging to navigate, and toughening it further will not act as a deterrent.”
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