The UK’s Labour government has introduced significant difficulties for refugees, announcing a sweeping tightening of several protection provisions and the elimination of numerous benefits late Saturday night. The government states these measures are being taken to curb illegal migration and counter the rising popularity of right-wing parties. The new rules will be based on Denmark’s strict immigration model.
Pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Keir Starmer as the anti-immigration Reform UK party gains traction.
End of the ‘Golden Ticket’
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated she would end the ‘golden ticket’ for refugees coming to Britain. The Refugee Council warned that this would not stop people from trying to reach the UK and urged the government to reconsider. However, the government appears intent on eliminating extra expenses and benefits for refugees.
Key Changes to the Asylum System
The government will present these new proposals to Parliament on Monday, billed as the largest reform of modern history.
- Reduced Protection Period: Previously, refugees received 5 years of protection, after which they could apply for permanent residence and later citizenship. Now, the protection period will be slashed to just 30 months and will be subject to regular review.
- Mandatory Return: If their home country is declared safe, they will be required to return.
- Longer Wait for Settlement: Refugees will now have to wait 20 years before they can apply for long-term settlement in the UK.
This comes as the number of asylum claims in the UK is at a record high, with 111,000 applications lodged by June 2025.
Cuts to Financial and Housing Support
The 2005 law, which mandated housing and a weekly allowance for every refugee, will be repealed. Support will no longer be mandatory but discretionary.
The government will be able to deny support to those who can work but do not support themselves, and to those who commit crimes. The government’s goal is to make the UK an unattractive destination for illegal migrants and to remove those already present.
Following the Denmark Model
A UK team had visited to study the Denmark model, where refugees receive only a one-year, renewable permit. They are encouraged to return home as soon as conditions improve.
Rules for family reunification are extremely strict, involving checks on age, language, and financial eligibility. The UK is also set to tighten rules for bringing family members.
While these steps have faced domestic criticism, the government is pushing forward with its effort to change the rules.
