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UK Publishes Sweeping Asylum Reforms, Extends Settlement Wait to 20 Years

Ministers cite record asylum claims as the rationale for tougher rules, including visa pressure on states that refuse returns.

Overview

  • The government released a 32‑page plan setting out the overhaul of asylum policy on 17 November.
  • Refugees would not be eligible for indefinite leave to remain until after 20 years, replacing the current five‑year route and marking the longest wait in Europe.
  • The plan commits to limiting reliance on ECHR Article 8 in asylum and immigration cases in order to accelerate removals.
  • Officials say they will use visa sanctions against countries that obstruct returns, with media reporting warnings to Angola, Namibia and the DRC after letters sent on 13 November.
  • Operational shifts include using military barracks for new arrivals, a move that has drawn protests such as a large demonstration in Crowborough against a planned site.