UK Home Secretary Announces Major Overhaul of Asylum System

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has declared that illegal migration is causing significant divisions within the country, as she prepares to unveil an extensive reform of the asylum system. The proposed changes aim to reshape how asylum seekers are processed and integrate aspects inspired by Denmark’s strict immigration policies.

Overview of Proposed Changes

The new measures, to be announced in Parliament, will stipulate that individuals granted asylum in the UK will need to wait 20 years before they can apply for permanent residency. This marks a significant increase from the current five-year period after which asylum seekers can seek indefinite leave to remain.

Additionally, asylum statuses will be reviewed every two-and-a-half years. If conditions in an asylum seeker’s home country are deemed safe, they may be instructed to return, regardless of how long they have lived in the UK.

In an interview with the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Mahmood described her mission as moral, stating, "I know illegal migration is causing huge divides here in our own country, and I do believe we need to act if we are to retain public consent for having an asylum system at all."

Responses from Political Leaders

The announcement has attracted mixed reactions from political leaders. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp of the Conservative Party has indicated that illegal migrants should be deported within a week of their arrival. In contrast, Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has advocated for granting asylum seekers the right to work, arguing this would alleviate their reliance on government support.

Critics within the Labour Party have expressed concerns that Mahmood’s approach mirrors far-right rhetoric, with some warning that the proposals may alienate left-leaning voters who might turn to alternative parties like the Green Party.

Inspiration from Denmark

The proposed reforms draw heavily on the Danish model, which has faced criticism for its stringent asylum policies. In Denmark, refugees are issued temporary residence permits that require re-application upon expiration. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has previously stated that such measures are intended to deter human smugglers and illegal entry into the country.

Mahmood's plans include making housing and financial support for asylum seekers discretionary. This means that those who have the right to work but do not engage in employment could lose access to these benefits. Mahmood argues that the current system inadvertently places some asylum seekers in a more favourable position than many British citizens in social housing.

Concerns from Advocates and Experts

Enver Solomon, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council, has voiced apprehension about the proposed 20-year waiting period for permanent residency, describing it as a plan that would leave many individuals in a state of prolonged uncertainty and anxiety. He stated, "We need a system that is controlled and is fair, and the way you do that is you make decisions fairly, in a timely fashion."

Madeleine Sumption, Director of the Migration Observatory, noted that while the intent behind the reforms may resonate, the actual impact of such policies on refugee numbers is difficult to gauge. She highlighted that many asylum seekers are driven by various factors, including language proficiency and familial ties within the UK.

Current Trends in Asylum Applications

Recent data reveals that the UK has seen a sharp increase in asylum claims, with over 109,000 applications recorded in the year leading up to March 2025, marking a significant rise from previous years. Moreover, the number of individuals arriving in the UK via small boats has surpassed 39,000 since Mahmood took office, exceeding the total for the entirety of 2024.

As the situation develops, the government’s new proposals will be subject to scrutiny from various political factions and advocacy groups, all of whom are keen to understand the practical implications of these sweeping changes to the UK’s asylum policy.