(UK, 16th) — The UK has announced the launch of the largest-scale asylum policy reform in modern history, limiting statutory aid obligations for certain asylum seekers.
Reuters reports that the Labour government in the UK is continuously tightening its immigration policy, especially targeting migrants who enter the country illegally by small boat from France, in an effort to curb the momentum of the populist Reform UK party.
The Home Office said in a statement on Saturday (November 15) that this immigration policy reform would remove statutory obligations to provide housing and weekly allowances to certain asylum seekers. The reform applies to able-bodied asylum seekers who choose not to work, as well as to those who have committed offenses.
The Home Office stated that taxpayer-funded assistance would be prioritized for those who contribute to the economy and local communities.
Home Secretary Mahmood is expected to announce more details about the reforms on Monday (17th). The Home Office made clear that these reform measures aim to reduce the UK's appeal to illegal immigrants and make it easier to deport them.
Mahmood said: "The UK has always been proud to welcome those fleeing danger, but our generosity is attracting illegal immigrants across the English Channel. The scale and pace of migration has put immense pressure on communities."
Over a hundred UK charities have written to Mahmood, urging her to stop "scapegoating immigrants" and stating that her "performative policies" will ultimately only cause harm, fueling racism and violent behavior.
Polls show that immigration issues have overtaken the economy as voters' top concern. According to annual statistics up to March 2025, the UK received a total of 109,343 asylum seekers, up 17% from the previous year and 6% higher than the peak in 2002.
The Home Office says this large-scale reform draws on practices from Denmark and other European countries, setting refugee status as temporary, providing conditional assistance, and requiring refugees to integrate into society.
Earlier this year, a senior Home Office delegation visited Copenhagen to study Denmark's asylum policy. Denmark only grants migrants a two-year temporary residence permit, which must be reapplied for upon expiry.
The current UK policy grants asylum to applicants who can prove their home country is unsafe; those deemed at risk of persecution may gain refugee status valid for five years, and certain eligible individuals may apply for permanent residency.
The Home Office said in a statement on Saturday (November 15) that this immigration policy reform would remove statutory obligations to provide housing and weekly allowances to certain asylum seekers. The reform applies to able-bodied asylum seekers who choose not to work, as well as to those who have committed offenses.
The Home Office stated that taxpayer-funded assistance would be prioritized for those who contribute to the economy and local communities.
Home Secretary Mahmood is expected to announce more details about the reforms on Monday (17th). The Home Office made clear that these reform measures aim to reduce the UK's appeal to illegal immigrants and make it easier to deport them.
Mahmood said: "The UK has always been proud to welcome those fleeing danger, but our generosity is attracting illegal immigrants across the English Channel. The scale and pace of migration has put immense pressure on communities."
Over a hundred UK charities have written to Mahmood, urging her to stop "scapegoating immigrants" and stating that her "performative policies" will ultimately only cause harm, fueling racism and violent behavior.
Polls show that immigration issues have overtaken the economy as voters' top concern. According to annual statistics up to March 2025, the UK received a total of 109,343 asylum seekers, up 17% from the previous year and 6% higher than the peak in 2002.
The Home Office says this large-scale reform draws on practices from Denmark and other European countries, setting refugee status as temporary, providing conditional assistance, and requiring refugees to integrate into society.
Earlier this year, a senior Home Office delegation visited Copenhagen to study Denmark's asylum policy. Denmark only grants migrants a two-year temporary residence permit, which must be reapplied for upon expiry.
The current UK policy grants asylum to applicants who can prove their home country is unsafe; those deemed at risk of persecution may gain refugee status valid for five years, and certain eligible individuals may apply for permanent residency.