Britain to make refugee status temporary under asylum overhaul

Reforms inspired by Denmark’s approach, but UK charities criticise tougher stance

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Britain said it would make refugee status temporary and the wait for permanent settlement would be quadrupled to 20 years under the country’s most sweeping overhaul of policy on asylum seekers in modern times.

The Labour government has been hardening its immigration policies, particularly on illegal small-boat crossings from France, as it seeks to stem the surging popularity of the populist Reform UK party, which has driven the immigration agenda and forced Labour to adopt a tougher line.

The government said it would take inspiration from Denmark’s approach, one of the toughest in Europe - where growing anti-immigrant sentiment has led to increased restrictions in many countries. The Danish approach is widely criticised by rights groups.

As part of the changes, the statutory duty to provide support to certain asylum seekers, including housing and weekly allowances, will be revoked, the Home Office said in a statement.

The department, led by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, said the measures would apply to asylum seekers who can work but choose not to, and to those who break the law.

It said that taxpayer-funded support would be prioritised for those contributing to the economy and local communities.