Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood declares main asylum system shake-up
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced refugee status for asylum seekers will be reviewed every 30 months in a major shake-up of the system
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood(Image: PA)
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced refugee status for asylum seekers will be reviewed every 30 months in a major shake-up of the system.
The Home Office said refugees whose countries are deemed safe will be expected to return under the hardline measures confirmed today. Under current rules, those granted refugee status have it for five years and can apply for indefinite leave to remain – the main route to citizenship.
But starting on Monday, refugees will need to renew their permission to stay or apply for a visa route like any other legal migrant, including paying associated fees.
Cabinet minister Ms Mahmood last week visited Denmark which has one of the toughest asylum and immigration systems in Europe. In a statement, she said: “This country will always provide sanctuary to those fleeing war and persecution. But we must also ensure our asylum system is not creating pull factors that draw people on dangerous journeys across the world, fuelling and funding the human traffickers.”
READ MORE: Asylum hotel use drops as bombshell migration figures show big changesREAD MORE: ‘Unfair’ migration shake-up blasted as thousands of kids ‘left in limbo’
She added: “Genuine refugees will find safety in Britain, but we must also reduce the incentives that draw people here at such scale, including those without a legitimate need for protection. So, once a refugee’s home is safe and they are able to return, they will be expected to do so.
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
“This is a firm but fair approach, restoring order and control of Britain’s borders, while protecting those fleeing war and repression.”
Under the changes the Home Office said adults with accompanied children claiming asylum from today will recieve a 30-month period of protection – before a review. It is not expected to impact individuals who have already received asylum status. Unaccompanied children will continue to receive five years’ leave while a long-term policy for the group is considered.
But the Refugee Council’s Imran Hussain said: “Short-term leave means refugee families who have survived war, persecution and unimaginable danger will face renewed uncertainty every 30 months, damaging integration in the long term.
“These men, women and children should be able to put down roots: settle into communities, learn English and find work.”
The Home Office said the government will also open new safe and legal routes for asylum seekers in an attempt to shift away from dangerous Channel crossings.
