Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has unveiled the government's radical plans to transform Britain's asylum system, drawing inspiration from Denmark's controversial immigration policies. Announced on Tuesday 18 November 2025, the proposals aim to deter illegal migration while accelerating the removal of those denied protection.
Major Changes to Refugee Status and Deportation
The cornerstone of Labour's reforms involves fundamentally altering what it means to be granted refugee status in the UK. Refugee status will become temporary rather than permanent, with individuals required to undergo reviews every two and a half years under a new "core protection" system. This represents a significant reduction from the current five-year initial right to remain.
Those granted refugee protection will face immediate removal once their home countries are declared safe, while the pathway to permanent settlement will be dramatically extended. The waiting period for permanent status will quadruple from 5 to 20 years, creating one of the longest settlement routes among developed nations.
New Safe Routes and Family Reunion Restrictions
Addressing criticism about limited legal pathways, the government will introduce new safe routes for work and study. Individuals using these routes could qualify for long-term status within a decade, though this remains subject to consultation.
In a move reminiscent of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, local communities will gain the ability to sponsor individual refugees, creating more direct involvement in the asylum process.
However, family reunion rights face severe restrictions. There will be no automatic right to family reunion for refugees unless they successfully enter through the "protection work and study" route and become eligible to sponsor family members. The government argues that current rules create "perverse incentives" where people bring children illegally, assuming this protects them from deportation.
Financial Support and Appeals Process Overhaul
In one of the most controversial changes, the legal obligation to provide support to destitute asylum seekers will be removed. Housing and weekly allowances will become discretionary rather than guaranteed rights.
Those with the right to work in the UK who could support themselves but choose not to may be denied housing and benefits. Similarly, asylum seekers with income or assets such as cars will be required to contribute to their accommodation and living costs.
The appeals process will also undergo significant changes with the creation of a new appeals body staffed by "professionally trained adjudicators." This aims to speed up decision-making, allowing failed asylum seekers to be deported more quickly. Individuals will be limited to a single appeal, compared to the current system that permits multiple appeals on different grounds.
Human Rights Law Adjustments
While stopping short of leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) as advocated by the Tories and Reform UK, the government will introduce legislation to ensure the ECHR's "right to family life" clause is balanced against public interest. This clause has frequently been used to prevent deportations.
Ministers will also work with international partners to reform aspects of the treaty prohibiting torture and inhuman treatment, which they argue has been interpreted in ways that allow foreign criminals to remain in the UK.
The proposals have received tentative support from Conservative and Reform UK parties while causing concern among some Labour MPs and refugee charities who warn the measures could leave vulnerable people without adequate protection.
