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Britain announced a major overhaul of its asylum policies, making refugee status temporary and extending the wait for permanent residency to 20 years—a fourfold increase. The government’s approach aims to be more restrictive, inspired by Denmark’s tough stance on immigration, where refugee status is often granted temporarily, typically for two years, and subject to reapplication. Rejected asylum seekers face increased restrictions, and support services such as housing and weekly allowances will be withdrawn from certain groups, including those who can work but choose not to or those who break the law. Priority for taxpayer-funded support will be given to those contributing to the economy and community.
Protection for refugees will now be classified as temporary, subject to frequent reviews, and revoked if their home country is considered safe. Under the new system, refugee status will be reassessed every two and a half years, with the path to permanent settlement stretching over two decades. Further details, including changes related to Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, are expected to be announced soon. Although the UK intends to remain a signatory to the European Court of Human Rights, it seeks to interpret the right to family life in a way that supports stricter immigration controls.
The policy shift has prompted criticism from humanitarian groups and charities, who argue it fuels racism and violence by scapegoating migrants. Pubic concern over immigration has surged, overtaking economic issues as voters’ primary concern, and protests have occurred outside hotels housing asylum seekers. The latest figures show a 17% increase in asylum claims, totaling 109,343 in the year ending March 2025, the highest since 2002.
The government emphasizes that it will expand “safe and legal” routes for asylum seekers, advocating for a system that matches, or in some cases exceeds, European standards—where temporary residence permits are common, and integration is expected. Denmark, in particular, has succeeded in reducing asylum claims through its policies, which have also resulted in deporting a high percentage of rejected applicants. However, critics argue that such measures create prolonged uncertainty for migrants and weaken protections, fostering hostility rather than integration. The Refugee Council emphasizes that many individuals come to the UK due to family connections, familiarity with English, or existing community ties, seeking safety and a fresh start.
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