Shabana Mahmood has unveiled a series of contentious changes to the UK’s asylum system, stating that illegal migration is causing division within the country.
Among the new measures, individuals granted asylum will now have to wait 20 years before applying for permanent settlement. Additionally, their status will be reviewed every two-and-a-half years, as announced by the Home Secretary.
Included in Mahmood’s proposals is the elimination of the legal obligation to support asylum seekers and the authorization for authorities to confiscate valuables from those arriving by small boats. These initiatives have faced criticism from Labour backbenchers, human rights groups, and opposition factions.
In response, Richard Tice, Nigel Farage’s No2, humorously suggested that Mahmood might be considering joining the Reform party. Labour MP Sarah Owen denounced the suggestions as “repugnant” and questioned their efficacy in deterring Channel crossings.
In a policy statement released on Monday, Mahmood criticized her predecessors for not exhibiting enough toughness. She emphasized the need to assert the country’s right to repatriate individuals with no lawful basis for staying.
Under the proposed adjustments, asylum seekers and refugees will no longer receive the same level of benefits. Notably, one controversial proposal involves the potential seizure of assets, such as jewelry and high-value items like vehicles and e-bikes, to cover accommodation expenses. However, sentimental items like family heirlooms and wedding rings will be exempt.
The policy draws inspiration from Denmark’s “jewelry law,” which permits the confiscation of refugees’ valuables. It stipulates that individuals with some assets or income must contribute towards their asylum support costs, even if insufficient to sustain themselves independently.
Furthermore, the government plans to make asylum-seeker support discretionary instead of obligatory, signaling a shift from the current system in place since 2005. This change means that housing and weekly allowances will no longer be automatically provided to asylum seekers, with support depending on factors like employability and asset ownership.
The UK government asserts that the country’s asylum system attracts illegal migrants seeking to exploit its generous benefits. While refugees will still have access to public funds, potential revisions may require migrants to meet additional criteria for receiving and retaining benefits.
Under the new guidelines, individuals legally permitted to work and support themselves but choose not to may be denied housing and benefits. The Home Office emphasized its intention to sanction those who abuse the system, extending repercussions to individuals breaking the law or causing disruptions.
To enhance safety and reduce perilous journeys across the English Channel, the government intends to introduce new secure and legal entry pathways to the UK. These initiatives may involve local community sponsorships for individual refugees, similar to the Ukraine Homes scheme.
In a technological advancement, the Home Office plans to utilize AI-driven Facial Age Estimation technology to verify the age claims of asylum seekers purporting to be children. This software, trained on a vast dataset of images, will rapidly determine the accuracy of age declarations, ensuring minors are not misclassified as adults.
In a bid to expedite deportations, a new independent body will be established, akin to Denmark’s model. This body will focus on swiftly removing dangerous criminals and individuals with minimal chances of successful asylum claims, streamlining the deportation process with single-appeal opportunities.
Visa bans will be imposed on countries deemed uncooperative in accepting the return of criminals and failed asylum seekers, such as Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These measures aim to address challenges arising from low cooperation and obstructive repatriation processes.
To strengthen immigration control, the government plans to introduce digital ID requirements by 2029, making it mandatory for proving the right to work in the UK. This initiative aims to curb illegal employment practices by deterring the use of fraudulent documents.
Additionally, the UK will consider ordering individuals from countries undergoing regime changes to return, as exemplified by the situation in Syria post-Assad regime. The government is exploring the resumption of enforced returns to countries with limited recent deportations, including Syria.
In alignment with its objective to phase out asylum hotels, the government points to alternative accommodation strategies employed by other European nations, utilizing large-scale facilities like former schools, airports, and other repurposed spaces to house asylum seekers.
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