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By Goli Innocent
The United Kingdom has overhauled its asylum system, introducing new rules that drastically reduce protections for refugees and their children. The Home Office said refugee status will now be temporary and reviewed every 30 months.
Under the reforms, refugees with an ongoing need for protection can have their status renewed, while those from countries deemed safe will be expected to return home. An exception remains for unaccompanied minors, who will receive protected status for five years.
The changes, which take effect on March 2, 2026, were announced last November. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood argued the previous system was overly generous compared to other European countries and could create “pull factors” that encourage dangerous migration.
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Critics, including charities and Labour lawmakers, warn the reforms could uproot refugees who have settled in the UK. Proposed measures, such as increasing the waiting period for permanent residency from five to 20 years, still require parliamentary approval.
More than 110,000 people claimed asylum in the UK in the year ending September 2025, a 13 percent increase on the previous year. Pakistan, Eritrea, Iran, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh accounted for the largest numbers of applicants.
While asylum claims reached record highs, the Home Office reported a surge in refusals, though initial approvals also increased slightly compared with 2024. The UK said it drew inspiration from Denmark, which lowered asylum applications to a 40-year low after tightening rules.
The reforms mark a significant shift in Britain’s approach to migration, reflecting the government’s aim to balance humanitarian responsibilities with controlling irregular migration and tackling human trafficking networks.
