The United Kingdom government has unveiled new immigration reforms requiring asylum seekers who can afford it to repay around £10,000 towards the cost of their state-funded housing and support before they can apply for indefinite leave to remain (settlement).
The Home Office announced the policy on Tuesday via its official X account, describing it as a measure to ensure migrants contribute to the system that supported them.
“New reforms will see asylum seekers pay towards the cost of their housing and financial support. Migrants who can afford to are expected to have to pay around £10,000 to be eligible for settlement,” the statement read.
Key features of the proposed rules include:
Means-testing: Only adults who can afford to pay will be required to contribute.
Repayment options: Monthly instalments or deductions from benefits.
Safeguards: Protections to prevent individuals from falling into destitution.
Returnees: Those who leave the UK must clear any outstanding balance before being allowed to return.
The policy is part of broader efforts to ease the financial strain on British taxpayers. The annual cost of asylum accommodation and support currently stands at approximately £4 billion.
Home Office officials framed the initiative as promoting fairness and responsibility. Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood said:
“Receiving asylum support is a right, but it is also a responsibility. Once people can contribute and repay the generosity of the British people, we expect them to do so.”
The reforms are expected to be presented to Members of Parliament soon as the government balances control of migration costs with continued protection for genuine refugees.
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