Migrants are set to have to pay back £10,000 towards their food and hotel costs before being eligible to settle in the UK.
Sweeping new laws due to be laid before Parliament on Tuesday mean asylum seekers will have to reimburse public money spent on their accommodation and other support before they can apply for settlement.
Ministers are exploring a flat rate of around £10,000, which would be paid in monthly instalments either directly to the Home Office or via the tax and benefits system.
Shorts
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the cost of accommodation to the taxpayer is “too high” and that it is “right that we ask those who can contribute to do so”.
