The government is planning significant changes to the support provided to asylum seekers, marking a major shift in immigration policies. Inspired by Denmark’s model, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is preparing to introduce reforms aimed at reducing the appeal of migrating to the UK and facilitating quicker deportations.
According to the Home Office, these reforms align the UK with global standards, although the Refugee Council argues that they will lead to an increase in homelessness among migrants. One key change involves removing the legal obligation to offer housing and weekly allowances to asylum seekers, a requirement established under EU law in 2005.
Under the new rules, individuals who can work and support themselves but choose not to may lose access to housing and benefits. Additionally, asylum seekers who break the law could have their support terminated. The Home Secretary is expected to announce that refugee status will become temporary, subject to regular reviews, and individuals will be repatriated once their home countries are deemed safe.
Further adjustments may include prioritizing public safety over migrants’ family rights and potential risks upon return to their home countries. The Home Secretary emphasized the need to regain control over borders, citing a strain on communities due to illegal migration.
Drawing lessons from Denmark’s strict asylum policies, UK officials visited Copenhagen to understand their successful approach in deterring migrants and increasing deportations. Enver Solomon of the Refugee Council criticized the proposed changes as overly punitive and unlikely to dissuade individuals fleeing persecution or conflict.
The current system, where asylum seekers are prohibited from working while awaiting a decision and given limited time to find accommodation upon receiving refugee status, is already challenging to navigate. Implementing harsher measures could exacerbate the difficulties faced by vulnerable individuals seeking safety.