UK to overhaul asylum system, extend wait for permanent settlement to 20 years

Britain on Sunday unveiled its most far-reaching asylum reforms in modern times, announcing that refugee status will become temporary and the wait for permanent settlement will be extended from five years to 20. The Labour government said the overhaul is aimed at fixing what it calls a “broken system” and discouraging dangerous illegal crossings, particularly by small boats from France.

Under the new plan, refugee protection will be granted on a temporary basis and reviewed every two-and-a-half years (or 30 months). The Home Office said status would be revoked if a refugee’s home country is deemed safe, with the extended 20-year settlement route applying to those who arrive illegally or overstay visas and later claim asylum. A separate 10-year route will be created for refugees arriving legally under upcoming resettlement schemes.

As part of the changes, the statutory duty to provide housing and weekly allowances will be scrapped for asylum seekers who can work but choose not to, or for those who break the law. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said taxpayer-funded support would instead be prioritised for those contributing to the economy and local communities.