Britain will no longer automatically extend settlement and family reunion rights to migrants who have been granted asylum, the government announced on Wednesday (October 1, 2025) in a further effort to curb immigration.
The Labour government has been tightening its immigration policies in a bid to curb support for the populist Reform U.K. party, and is particularly focused on reducing the number of people arriving illegally from France in small boats.
Migrants with refugee status can currently qualify for permanent residence after five years. The new proposal will mean permanent residence is not guaranteed, and will be subject to a longer process that includes showing a contribution to Britain.
“The changes will bring an end to the unfair system that sees those crossing the channel in a small boat having greater rights to settlement and family reunion than those who arrive through proper legal routes and even British citizens,” the government said in a statement.
The plans build on tougher settlement rules for all migrants set out by Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood on Monday (September 29, 2025).
