The United Kingdom government has unveiled plans to require some asylum seekers to repay the cost of their accommodation and financial support before they can qualify for permanent settlement in the country.
Under the proposed reforms, asylum seekers who are financially capable will be expected to repay about £10,000 to become eligible for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Key Highlights:
The announcement was made by the UK Home Office in a post on its official X account on Tuesday.
According to the Home Office, the new policy is intended to ensure that beneficiaries of government-funded asylum support contribute towards the cost of assistance once they are in a position to do so.
“New reforms will see asylum seekers pay towards the cost of their housing and financial support. Migrants who can afford to are expected to have to pay around £10,000 to be eligible for settlement,” the Home Office stated.
The government also said asylum seekers who leave the UK while still owing money would be required to clear their outstanding balance before they could be permitted to return.
Officials explained that the repayment scheme would be means-tested, meaning only those with sufficient financial capacity would be required to contribute.
Repayments could be made through monthly instalments or deductions from welfare benefits, while safeguards would be introduced to ensure vulnerable individuals are not pushed into financial hardship.
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The Home Office said the policy is part of broader efforts to reduce the growing cost of supporting asylum seekers, which currently exceeds £4 billion annually.
Officials added that the reforms are aimed at easing the burden on taxpayers while ensuring the asylum system remains sustainable.
Commenting on the proposal, UK Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said people who receive asylum support should be prepared to contribute once they are financially able.
“Receiving asylum support is a right, but it is also a responsibility. Once people can contribute and repay the generosity of the British people, we expect them to do so,” she said.
The proposed measures are expected to be debated by Members of Parliament in the coming weeks as part of the government’s wider immigration reform agenda.
