World

Strict UK Government Policy for Refugees: 20 Years to Become Eligible

11:35 pm - November 16, 2025
World

Darwin, 16 November –People granted asylum in the United Kingdom may now have to wait 20 years before becoming eligible for permanent residency. According to a BBC report, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to announce this new, tougher policy on Monday.

The British government says the move aims to reduce the growing pressure of asylum applications and stop people from crossing borders in small boats.

Currently, asylum recipients are granted refugee status for five years, after which they may apply for permanent residency. Under the new plan, the initial period of refugee status will be reduced from five years to two and a half years.

After this period, their status will be reviewed regularly. If a person’s home country is deemed safe, they will be ordered to return. And the waiting time to qualify for permanent residency will increase to a total of 20 years.

Home Secretary Mahmood told The Sunday Times that the policy sends a clear message: do not attempt to come to the UK through illegal routes. She said illegal immigration is dividing the country, and it is the government’s responsibility to resolve the crisis and keep the nation united.

The policy is modeled on Denmark’s system, where refugees are required to renew temporary permits regularly. However, the changes are expected to face criticism even within the Labour Party.

Liberal Democrats spokesperson Max Wilkinson said that while fixing the chaotic asylum system left behind by the Conservatives is necessary, these restrictions cannot be a substitute for speeding up the processing of applications.

Refugee Council chief Enver Solomon called the policy harsh and unnecessary. According to him, such policies cannot stop people who are fleeing persecution or war.

Government data shows that 1,069 people arrived in the UK by small boats in the last week alone. So far this year, a total of 32,292 people have crossed the Channel. If implemented, the new policy will mark the most significant change to the UK’s asylum system in many years.