Refugee status to be temporary as Mahmood rips up rules on asylum

Shabana Mahmood has ripped up the government’s asylum rules so that from today every refugee will be told their status is temporary and will last just 30 months.

- Rajeev Syal

In a move that has concerned a refugee charity, the home secretary said claimants whose countries were later deemed to be safe would from now on be expected to return.

The announcement comes despite pleas from Labour MPs, peers and affiliated unions at the weekend for Keir Starmer’s government to shift towards progressive policies after the party came third in last week’s Gorton and Denton byelection.

The changes include plans to double to 10 years the amount of time some foreign nationals must wait before they can settle in the UK.

In an interview with the Guardian, Mahmood called for Labour MPs to get behind changes or risk a Nigel Farage-led government deporting refugees “to certain death”.

She has insisted that far from being unpopular with traditional Labour voters, her policies recognise the concerns of people resentful because “public services are under pressure”.

Under today’s changes, adults and accompanied children claiming asylum will receive a 30-month period of protection, if it is granted.

At a 30-month review, refugees with a continuing need of sanctuary will have their protection renewed. Those whose countries are now deemed safe will be expected to return home.