Home Secretary announces overhaul of UK’s asylum system: How will it work?

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood arrives for a Cabinet meeting in Downing Street, London. Picture date: Tuesday April 28, 2026. (PA)Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced a significant overhaul of the UK's asylum system, aiming to secure its future and prevent abuse. The reforms include the introduction of new safe routes for refugees, starting this autumn, which will allow communities, universities, and eventually employers to sponsor individuals seeking sanctuary. Controversial changes to human rights laws are also planned, tightening the definition of 'family' under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to immediate family members only. The new Immigration and Asylum Bill will remove modern slavery protections for foreign offenders who have been jailed and reject late claims made after deportation proceedings have begun. The announcement comes amidst questions regarding Ms Mahmood's future in her role and internal Labour Party disagreements over her proposed changes to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) rules. In fullShabana Mahmood to introduce new Canada-inspired asylum routes into UKThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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