Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to announce changes to the UK asylum system on Monday, making financial and housing support for asylum seekers discretionary rather than automatic. The move aims to address rising concerns over immigration and is described as the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times.
Under the new system, the Home Office will have the power to deny support to asylum seekers who can work, have assets, fail to comply with removal directions, engage in criminality, disrupt accommodation, or work illegally. However, the majority of the 100,000 people currently receiving asylum support are unlikely to be affected, as rules preventing most from working will remain unchanged.
Government sources said cases will be assessed individually, with mitigating factors considered. The changes are seen as a bid to win back Labour voters considering backing Reform UK, though some Labour MPs are concerned about losing support to the Greens and Liberal Democrats. A rebellion is not expected to be tolerated.
Additionally, the government plans to consult on requiring migrants to follow certain rules to receive benefits, with priority given to those who contribute and integrate. Mahmood is also expected to announce that granted asylum could be temporary, with refugees potentially returned to home countries deemed safe, modelled on Denmark's system. People arriving illegally may have to wait 20 years before applying for permanent settlement.
