UK to scrap automatic rights for asylum seekers in refugee system overhaul

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to scrap automatic settlement for refugees in the UK.

At present, refugees are granted permanent settlement after five years and can bring family members immediately after asylum is granted.

Starmer said the current system is “not fit for purpose” because it grants asylum seekers arriving in small boats more rights than British citizens or migrants who enter the country legally.

The prime minister spoke ahead of a summit of European leaders in Copenhagen, where he promised to overhaul the asylum rules and bring them closer to policies in mainland Europe.

“If you want to come to the UK, you should contribute to our society. That is the tolerant and fair approach to migration that our communities are built on,” he said.

“But the current system is not fit for purpose. That is why we’re making fundamental changes to what those granted asylum are afforded in the UK.

“Settlement must be earned by contributing to our country, not by paying a people-smuggler to cross the channel in a boat.”

British citizens who wish to bring a spouse to the country must prove a minimum income of £29,000 and meet strict relationship tests.

Under the proposed reforms, refugees will be required to meet the same conditions as other foreign nationals, including a clean criminal record, and community service.

Application fees for indefinite leave to remain, currently waived for refugees, will also be imposed.

It is understood that refugees will face financial and English Language requirements before they can bring family to the UK, and will wait at least two years before doing so.

Starmer also said the UK will work with European countries to establish joint migrant “return hubs” in the Western Balkans and Africa to process failed asylum seekers.

According to UK government figures, the number of refugee family reunion visas granted by Britain rose five-fold in the past two years, reaching 20,817 in 2024.

Shabana Mahmood, home secretary, will release full details of the reforms in the autumn.

Chris Philp, shadow home secretary, described the proposals as “another gimmick from a government that has lost control of our borders”.

“This year has been the worst in history for channel crossings and this minor tweak won’t make any difference whatsoever,” he said.