London: The UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, is preparing to announce a major overhaul of the country’s asylum system. Under the new policy, people granted asylum will face a 20‑year wait before becoming eligible for permanent residency.
Currently, refugees are given status for five years, after which they can apply for indefinite leave to remain. The new plan reduces the initial grant to two and a half years, with regular reviews of refugee status. Those whose home countries are later deemed safe could be asked to return.
Mahmood explained that the reforms are intended to discourage illegal immigration, particularly the rising number of people crossing the Channel in small boats. She told the Sunday Times that illegal immigration is “breaking up our country” and warned that failure to act could leave Britain “much more divided.”
The approach mirrors Denmark’s system, where refugees are issued temporary residence permits and must reapply once they expire.
The announcement has already sparked criticism. Anwar Suleiman, chief executive of the Refugee Council, described the policy as “draconian and unnecessary,” arguing that it will not deter people fleeing persecution, torture, or war. Some Labour MPs are also expected to oppose the reforms.
Officials say the changes are part of a broader government effort to reduce asylum applications and strengthen border control.