Khaberni - In a move described as "the biggest in the history of the modern asylum system," British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced radical reforms to the UK asylum system aimed at making the country less attractive to illegal immigrants, drawing inspiration from Denmark, which has one of the strictest policies in Europe and has faced widespread criticism from human rights groups.
Waiting for 20 years
According to reports published by the British "Telegraph" newspaper, asylum seekers who enter the country via small boats or trucks will be forced to wait 20 years before they can apply for permanent residence, after being granted temporary refugee status. This move has sparked widespread controversy within Parliament, with allegations of a "right-wing" shift within the ruling Labour Party, despite the Minister's statements that it is a "moral duty" to unify the country.
The United Kingdom has been suffering from an exacerbated illegal immigration crisis for years, especially through crossing the English Channel by small boats. The government recorded more than 39,000 crossings last year, an increase of 18% over 2024, approaching the record year of 2022.
Under the previous Conservative government asylum system, refugees were granted temporary residence for 5 years, followed automatically by permanent residence, along with access to social aid and housing, which was described as a "golden ticket" that attracts migrants from Europe through safe countries. This system, rooted in the 1951 Geneva Convention on Refugees, made Britain a "preferred destination" compared to its European neighbors, where Denmark grants only two-year temporary permits, with periodic reassessment and strict conditions for permanent residence.
Increasing pressures
With the Labour Party taking office in July 2024, Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced increasing pressure from the populist right-wing Reform Party led by Nigel Farage, who exploits public concern about immigration to achieve electoral gains. Asylum applications fell to their lowest levels in 40 years under the new government, with 95% of rejected applications successfully removed, but boat crossings continued to rise.
Temporary Residence for Only Two and a Half Years
According to the new system that Britain seeks to implement, refugees will be granted temporary residence for only two and a half years, instead of the current 5 years, with periodic review of the status. However, permanent residence will require 20 years, with additional conditions including paying national insurance, self-reliance without aid, a clean criminal record, and high proficiency in English. This measure is particularly applied to illegal arrivals and is considered the longest in Europe.
Ending Automatic Support
The new residence system seeks to end automatic support. There is no longer a legal obligation to provide housing or weekly aid, and support will be withdrawn from applicants who are able to work but refuse, or those who commit crimes, or work illegally, or cause disturbances in shelter centers. Repayment of housing costs similar to student loans is also being considered.
