Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced what the government calls the most far-reaching overhaul of illegal migration laws in modern times, unveiling a package inspired by Denmark’s strict, deterrence-focused model.
The reforms introduce temporary refugee status, major human rights law changes, tighter modern slavery rules, and the phasing out of housing and financial support for most asylum seekers. The plan also includes new safe and legal routes, expanded returns powers, and technology-driven enforcement tools
Temporary Refugee Status
Under the new system, refugees will receive 30-month protection periods, with their status reviewed at each stage. If their home country is deemed safe, they can be returned. Only after 20 years in the UK will refugees become eligible for permanent residency, up from the current five.
The government says it will now explore forced returns to Syria and other states where removals have rarely occurred in recent years. Refugees will also be encouraged to switch to a new “work and study” visa route, which provides faster settlement and allows family sponsorship.
Human Rights Overhaul
Asylum claimants will face a single, consolidated appeal, replacing years of repeated challenges. A new independent appeals body will be created. Article 8 family-life protections will be narrowed to immediate relatives only, while Article 3 interpretations will be tightened to prevent serious offenders from blocking deportation on healthcare grounds.
The Modern Slavery Act will be amended to stop last-minute trafficking claims by requiring early disclosure, with late evidence treated as less credible.
Ending Housing and Financial Support
The government will remove the legal duty to provide asylum seekers with guaranteed housing and weekly payments. Support will remain only for those genuinely destitute, not for individuals who refuse work, break the law, or defy removal directions.
Asylum seekers with assets will be required to contribute to accommodation costs, mirroring Denmark’s model. While sentimental items will not be seized, the Home Office has indicated assets such as cars or e-bikes could be targeted.
Ministers also plan to end support for families with refused claims, replacing it with financial incentives for voluntary return, followed by enforced removal for those who refuse.
New Safe and Legal Routes
The UK will cap annual arrivals through new legal pathways. Community sponsorship—similar to the Homes for Ukraine scheme—will expand, and the Displaced Talent Mobility programme will grow to bring at-risk skilled workers to the UK.
Arrivals via legal routes will move through a streamlined 10-year path to settlement.
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Visa Bans and Returns Pressure
Countries that fail to take back their nationals will face visa sanctions, including an emergency brake on visa processing. Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have been given one month to improve cooperation.
Technology Expansion
AI-based systems to verify the age of asylum seekers will be deployed more widely. The government also plans a new digital ID system by the end of Parliament to tighten right-to-work checks and reduce document fraud.
