Great Britain is set to implement significant alterations to its asylum policies, which will notably extend the waiting period for permanent residency and mandate the repatriation of asylum seekers once their home countries are deemed safe.

These changes mark the most substantial reform of asylum policies in recent history and are modeled after Denmark’s stringent measures, which have faced considerable criticism from human rights organizations across Europe.

The Labour government has been tightening its immigration policies, responding to the growing influence of the populist Reform U.K. party. This party’s hardline stance on immigration has pressured Labour to adopt a more rigorous approach.

Among the new measures, the Home Office announced the elimination of the statutory obligation to provide housing and financial assistance to certain categories of asylum seekers.

In related news, migrants were recently seen walking along the beach before attempting to board an inflatable dinghy, aiming to cross the English Channel from northern France to the UK. This scene unfolded on the shores of Petit-Fort-Philippe in Gravelines, near Calais, France, on September 27, 2025. (Reuters)

It also said refugees would have to wait 20 years to apply for permanent residency instead of the current five years, the period of initial refugee status would be cut from five years to two and a half years, rules around family reunions would be stricter and refugees would be encouraged or forced to return to their home country once it is considered safe.

The department said the measures would apply to asylum seekers who can work but choose not to, as well as those who break the law. Taxpayer-funded support would be prioritized for people contributing to the economy and local communities.

Migrants walk along the beach before trying to board an inflatable dinghy leaving the coast of northern France in an attempt to cross the English Channel to reach Britain, from the beach of Petit-Fort-Philippe in Gravelines, near Calais, France, August 25, 2025. (Reuters)

The Home Office said the changes aim to make the U.K. less attractive to illegal migrants and make it easier to remove people whose claims are denied.

“This country has a proud tradition of welcoming those fleeing danger, but our generosity is drawing illegal migrants across the Channel,” Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said. “The pace and scale of migration is placing immense pressure on communities.”

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the changes aim to make the U.K. less attractive to illegal migrants and make it easier to remove people whose claims are denied. (Getty Images)

More than 100 British charities called on Mahmood to “end the scapegoating of migrants and performative policies that only cause harm,” arguing that the measures are fueling racism and violence.

Britain’s Refugee Council said on X that refugees do not compare asylum systems when attempting to flee danger. It said that they aim for the U.K. because of family ties, some knowledge of English or connections that can help them start over safely.