London, UK — UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says illegal migration is “tearing the country apart,” as she prepares to unveil one of the most significant overhauls to Britain’s asylum system in decades. The new policies, set to be formally announced on Monday, aim to sharply deter illegal entry and tighten long-term refugee settlement rules.
Mahmood said addressing illegal migration is her “moral mission,” warning that uncontrolled arrivals are dividing communities and undermining public trust in the asylum system.
Key Changes Expected in the Overhaul
Under Mahmood’s proposals:
- Refugees granted asylum would need to wait 20 years before they can apply for permanent settlement — a major increase from the current five years.
- Refugee status would be reviewed every 2.5 years, and individuals whose countries become safe may be required to return.
- The UK would suspend visas for nationals of Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo if their governments do not improve co-operation on migrant removals.
- Financial support and housing for some asylum seekers would become discretionary, especially for those eligible to work.
- Those who arrive through “safe and legal routes” and contribute to the economy may be able to settle earlier, though full details remain undisclosed.
The changes are inspired by Denmark’s strict temporary-protection model, where refugees repeatedly reapply for status and can be returned if their home country is considered safe.
Political Reactions
The proposals have triggered strong reactions across the political spectrum:
- Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called Mahmood’s approach “tinkering,” saying Conservatives would go further by withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights and deporting illegal migrants “within a week.”
- Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey argued asylum seekers should be allowed to work, which would reduce government support costs and improve integration.
- Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage said Mahmood “sounds like a Reform supporter,” but predicted legal barriers would stop her plans.
Some Labour MPs are unhappy as well, with Clive Lewis warning the policies mirror “far-right talking points” and could push progressive voters toward the Green Party.
Mahmood rejected that criticism, noting she is “the child of migrants” and that fair rules protect community cohesion.
Concerns From Refugee Advocates
Refugee organisations say the 20-year settlement requirement will trap people in prolonged limbo.
Enver Solomon of the Refugee Council warned the policy would “leave people in anxiety for many, many years” and fail to deter desperate migrants.
A Syrian refugee living under Denmark’s model told the BBC the uncertainty “sits in your body,” making it impossible to fully rebuild a life.
Migration experts caution it is difficult to predict the policy’s impact, noting asylum seekers often do not know a destination country’s rules before arrival.
Rising Numbers Increase Pressure
New Home Office data shows:
- 109,343 asylum claims were filed in the 12 months to March — up 17% from the previous year.
- Small-boat arrivals remain high, with more than 39,000 crossings recorded in 2025 so far.
- More than 10,000 migrants have arrived since Mahmood took office in September.
Though 2025 arrivals have surpassed all of 2024 and 2023, numbers remain slightly below 2022 levels at this point in the year.
Communities feel stretched, Solomon said, because “the government has forgotten about them,” fueling frustration and calls for reform.
What Comes Next
Mahmood will outline legal changes on Monday, including how the government intends to reinterpret Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to family life — a key barrier in deportation cases.
She insists the UK must create a system that is “controlled, fair, and sustainable,” arguing that illegal migration undermines the ability to welcome legal migrants who contribute to the country.