Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to announce a significant overhaul of the UK's asylum system on Monday, introducing temporary refugee status and new safe routes in a bid to tackle illegal immigration.
Key Changes to Refugee Status and Settlement
The reforms represent a fundamental shift in how the UK grants protection. Refugee status will become temporary, with the initial grant of leave to remain slashed from five years to just 30 months.
Furthermore, the path to permanent settlement will be dramatically extended. Currently, refugees can apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years, but this will be increased to 20 years under the new plans.
The Home Office will conduct regular reviews of a refugee's need for protection. If their home country is deemed safe, their refugee status will be revoked, and they will be expected to return.
New Safe and Legal Routes to the UK
Alongside stricter rules, the government will create new safe and legal pathways. A key initiative is the expansion of a ‘Homes for Ukraine’-style community sponsorship scheme.
This capped route will allow local communities to sponsor individual refugees, offering them a place to live and support with integration, including help to learn English to a high standard.
The Observer also reported plans for new work and study routes for refugees, building on schemes like the Displaced Talent Mobility Pilot. This would enable skilled refugees, such as engineers and construction managers, to come to the UK for employment.
Context and Rationale for the Reforms
These changes come as the UK faces unprecedented pressure on its asylum system. Official figures show that 111,084 people applied for asylum in the year to June 2025, the highest number since records began in 2001.
The government's stated aim is to make the UK less attractive for illegal immigration, particularly dangerous small boat crossings of the English Channel, and to end what it calls the “golden ticket” for asylum seekers.
By creating more controlled, legal routes and making temporary status the norm, ministers hope to deter perilous journeys, give communities a greater role, and ultimately reduce the multi-billion-pound cost of asylum accommodation on taxpayers.
The new system is being designed in collaboration with the United Nations Refugee Agency, local authorities, and community groups.
