UK to review refugee status every 30 months

The sweeping changes announced yesterday by the UK’s home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, follow her recent visit to Denmark, which she says has reduced asylum claims by adopting a similar approach.

The government describes the current system, whereby refugees are granted five years’ protection and then become eligible for permanent settlement, as “amongst the most generous offers to refugees in any country in Western Europe”.

The necessary changes to the Immigration Rules will come into force from Monday without a vote by MPs.

The Home Office has said it will also introduce new work and study visas for refugees as well as new safe and legal routes for asylum, with emphasis on community sponsorship.

Ms Mahmood said: “This country will always provide sanctuary to those fleeing war and persecution. But we must also ensure our asylum system is not creating pull factors that draw people on dangerous journeys across the world, fuelling and funding the human traffickers.  

“Genuine refugees will find safety in Britain, but we must also reduce the incentives that draw people here at such scale, including those without a legitimate need for protection. So, once a refugee’s home is safe and they are able to return, they will be expected to do so.

“This is a firm but fair approach, restoring order and control of Britain’s borders, while protecting those fleeing war and repression.”

However, Imran Hussain, director of external affairs at the Refugee Council, said: “Reducing refugee status from five years to two-and-a-half will not fix the asylum system.

“Instead, it will create an overwhelming new workload for a Home Office that is already struggling with backlogs: up to 1.1 million repeat reviews will be added over the first 10 years, costing up to £725 million.

“Short-term leave also means refugee families who have survived war, persecution and unimaginable danger will face renewed uncertainty every 30 months, damaging integration in the long term.

“These men, women and children should be able to put down roots: settle into communities, learn English, and find work so they can start rebuilding their lives.

“If the government truly wants a fair system built on contribution and integration, they should focus on improving the speed and quality of decision-making, supporting people who are recognised as refugees, and expanding safe and legal routes so that people do not have to take dangerous journeys.

“We’ve seen over decades the incredible contributions that refugees can make to the country and their communities when they are able to find security here.”