LONDON – The UK government has announced a major overhaul of its immigration policy, aiming to tighten asylum rules and accelerate the deportation of illegal arrivals. Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood said the changes are designed to prevent abuse of the current system and address growing public concern.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted that Britain’s existing asylum system “is a significant pull factor” for migrants and is more permissive than many European countries. The new immigration policy will make refugee status temporary and increase the time refugees must wait before settling permanently from five to 20 years.
Under the proposals, the government plans to reinterpret key aspects of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Changes include limiting family connections to immediate relatives and tightening the definition of inhumane treatment to make deportation challenges harder. Mahmood stated that this approach would give the government greater control over who can remain in the country.
The government also warned that visa bans could be imposed on countries like Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo if they refuse to accept the return of illegal migrants and criminals.
Officials stressed that the revised immigration policy is necessary to maintain public support for the asylum system, which has faced increased strain due to illegal arrivals, particularly small boat crossings from France.
The proposals have drawn mixed reactions. Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, welcomed stricter rules but questioned whether the changes could pass Parliament.
Human rights advocates and some Labour lawmakers criticized the plan, arguing it risks creating division and punishing vulnerable people who have already suffered hardship.
In the year ending March 2025, 109,343 people claimed asylum in Britain, a 17% increase from the previous year. While the new immigration policy aims to curb illegal migration, officials insist the UK remains a tolerant and welcoming country for genuine refugees.
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The government is expected to introduce the proposals to Parliament soon, with debates likely to focus on balancing border security and human rights protections.
