Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has unveiled a set of tougher asylum reforms aimed at addressing what is described as Britain's crisis-ridden asylum system. These proposals, outlined by the Labour government, significantly alter the conditions for refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.
Key changes include reducing the initial grant of stay for refugees from five years to 30 months, with extensions only permitted if returning to their home country is unsafe. The period required before refugees can apply for settled status has been extended from five years to twenty years.
Furthermore, there will no longer be an automatic right to family reunion for those granted core protection. Asylum seekers will also face changes to their financial and housing support.
Guaranteed housing and weekly allowances will be removed, and those capable of working or possessing assets will be required to contribute to their costs in the UK. The reforms also introduce measures for enforced returns, potentially including families with children who do not have a legal right to remain in the country.
These plans have reportedly provoked strong opposition from MPs across the Independent, Green, Liberal Democrat, and Labour parties.
