Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has pledged to dismantle what she describes as the UK's 'golden ticket' for asylum seekers through the most significant overhaul of the immigration system in years.
Ending Automatic Permanent Status
In a sweeping set of measures inspired by Denmark's immigration model, the Labour government will introduce a system where refugee status becomes temporary. Asylum seekers who arrive via irregular routes, such as small boats or lorries, will face a 20-year wait before they can even apply for permanent settlement in the UK. This marks a fundamental shift from the current system.
Ms Mahmood, who is set to deliver a key speech on Monday, outlined the rationale behind the drastic changes in an interview with The Sunday Times. She stated, "I can see — and I know my colleagues can — that illegal migration is tearing our country apart. It’s our job as a Labour government to unite our country and if we don’t sort this out, I think our country becomes much more divided."
Details of the Crackdown
The reforms extend far beyond the extended settlement period. The government also plans to introduce greater restrictions on refugees bringing family members to the UK, tightening the rules on family reunification.
Furthermore, the automatic right to housing and financial support for asylum seekers will be revoked under the new plans. This means individuals could lose their state-provided accommodation and subsistence allowances as part of the crackdown, placing a greater onus on temporary permissions to remain.
Political Context and Public Trust
This radical package is seen as a direct move by Labour to confront the challenge posed by Reform UK and to restore public confidence in the asylum system. The government's strategy involves a clear shift away from permanent refugee status towards a model of temporary protection, mirroring systems used elsewhere in Europe.
The announcement comes amid ongoing government efforts to move asylum seekers out of hotels and into alternative accommodation, including military bases, a policy which Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed being "really angry" about.
With these reforms, the Labour government aims to draw a clear line under previous policies, signalling a tough new stance on illegal immigration and the granting of permanent residence.
