The UK Government has confirmed that people granted asylum will be expected to repay approximately £10,000 towards the cost of their accommodation and support once they begin working in the UK. Adults with adequate financial means will be asked to settle the amount gradually under new regulations in the Immigration and Asylum Bill, which will be presented to Parliament on Tuesday. The measure will affect asylum seekers who possess the right to employment in the UK, and the debt must be cleared before they can qualify for permanent settlement.
Home Secretary Defends Policy
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated the reforms would show "asylum support is a right, but it is also a responsibility." She continued: "Once people can contribute and repay the generosity of the British people, we expect them to do so." The proposals will mean migrants in employment and earning above a certain threshold will be made to repay a fixed sum, anticipated to be set at £10,000. The Home Office has yet to establish the earnings level required before monthly repayments would commence.
Flexibility and Impact
The home secretary would retain authority to modify the charge and the repayment thresholds going forward to ensure "they are both fair to the taxpayer and will not force any migrant into destitution." Those whose applications have been turned down will also face repayment obligations if their earnings meet the government's threshold. Approximately £4bn of public funds was allocated to supporting asylum seekers last year, the Home Office has confirmed. The average nightly cost of housing an asylum seeker stands at £23.25 in publicly-owned accommodation, and £144 in hotels while subsistence payments vary from £9.95 to £49.18 per person each week.
Criticism from Refugee Council
The Refugee Council described the "unfair, impractical" proposals as an "extra tax on refugees," warning they would make it "harder for families to rebuild their lives and stand on their own feet." Its director of external affairs Imran Hussain stated: "The reason why many need asylum support is because the Home Office itself bans asylum seekers from working while their claims are being assessed. Asylum support is only given to people who are at risk of being destitute, so this new financial burden would only harm those who arrive on our shores with nothing."
Employment Statistics
According to Home Office figures, a quarter of 16 to 64-year-olds granted asylum between 2015 and 2023 were in employment within the same calendar year. That figure increased to 50% two years after refugee status was granted. Among those who were working eight years after receiving refugee status, 37% had been in full-time employment with median earnings of £23,000, with just 40% earning above the minimum wage.
Political Reactions
Ministers are hopeful the Immigration and Asylum Bill will implement proposals designed to establish a firm but fair asylum system, while reducing the pull factors that encourage illegal migration. Sections of the bill are anticipated to face resistance from some Labour MPs who oppose certain particularly stringent measures it will contain.
