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UK Sets Out Sweeping Asylum Overhaul With 20-Year Settlement Wait for Illegal Arrivals

Labour says a Denmark-style model aims to deter irregular crossings and restore control to the system.

Overview

  • Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood previewed reforms that would end permanent protection and make refugee status time-limited with reviews every 30 months, with returns expected for people from countries deemed safe.
  • Those who entered legally would move to a 10-year path to permanent settlement, doubling the current five-year route.
  • Financial and housing support would shift from a legal guarantee to discretionary assistance, with aid withheld from applicants considered able to work or who hold assets.
  • The Home Office says the UK will match, and in some areas exceed, Denmark’s tougher standards after a delegation studied its model earlier this year.
  • Ministers cite about 400,000 asylum claims in four years and more than 100,000 people on taxpayer-funded support, while refugee groups warn the plan creates prolonged uncertainty as full details are due Monday.