Refugees would face longer waits and possible return to their home country if deemed safe, under proposals
Asylum system in UK ‘out of control’ and dividing country, home secretary says
The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has said the asylum system is “out of control and putting huge pressure on communities” as she announced sweeping plans to end the permanent status of refugees. What changes are the government planning?
Mahmood has indicated support for measures that would end the permanent status of refugees. Under new plans, they would need to reapply to remain in Britain every two-and-a-half years.
It is understood that those granted asylum could be returned to their home countries when they are considered safe – a policy modelled on Denmark’s controversial system. Some research has suggested that deterrence policies have little impact on asylum seekers’ choice of destination, but a 2017 study said Denmark’s “negative nation branding” had proved effective in limiting asylum applications.
