The UK government plans a major asylum system overhaul. Consequently, refugees will now face a longer route to settlement. Officials confirmed the change today. Currently, refugees can apply for permanent status after five years. This new, longer path will replace that system. Furthermore, the government will permanently scrap another rule. This rule had allowed refugees to automatically bring close family members. The authorities temporarily suspended this in September. Now, they will end it for good.
Therefore, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the new policy. He stated there will be no golden ticket for settlement. Also, he emphasized that people will have to earn it. He made these remarks ahead of a European summit. There, he will discuss illegal migration with other leaders. The government argues these changes are fundamental. They want to show that settlement must be earned. Refugees must contribute to the country first. This new, longer route to settlement mirrors other visa categories. Many work visa holders already wait ten years.
Furthermore, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood recently outlined similar plans. She aims to make settlement harder for other migrant groups. The new rules will require specific conditions. Applicants must learn English to a high standard. They also need a clean criminal record. Finally, they must volunteer in their local community. A government source explained the reasoning. They felt the UK had been overly generous before. Now, they want to reduce the pull factors for migrants. They believe this new, longer route to settlement will achieve that.
However, critics strongly oppose the plan. The Refugee Council, a charity, called it counterproductive. They argued it would not deter Channel crossings. Instead, it might push desperate people towards smugglers. This is especially true for those wanting family reunification. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp also attacked the plan. He dismissed it as a Starmer gimmick. He claimed it would make no real difference to migration numbers.
Currently, indefinite leave to remain offers many rights. It allows people to live and work in the UK permanently. The new system will offer core protection instead. Yet, it demands more from refugees over a longer period. Migration Minister Mike Tapp defended the changes. He said the UK would no longer be a soft touch. Moreover, he argued the system would be both fair and firm. He also stated this aligns the UK with other European nations.
However, the government faces ongoing pressure on Channel crossings. Recent figures show numbers remain high. Over 1,800 people crossed since last Saturday. The total for 2025 has now passed 34,000. Ultimately, the new policy establishes a tougher stance. This longer route to settlement is the government’s answer. They believe it will create a system based on contribution. Critics fear it will cause more hardship and risk.
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