A Breakdown of the Government’s New Asylum Policy Plan

The UK government has announced the most extensive overhaul of the asylum system in modern history.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood make the government’s position clear: the world has changed dramatically. Conflicts, instability, and economic pressures have driven unprecedented population movements across the globe.

UK Asylum System Reform 2025

This article breaks down the full scope of the reforms — what’s changing, why the changes are happening, and how they will shape the future of UK immigration policy.

Key reasons behind the reform include:

• Record-high asylum claims. Since 2021, over 400,000 people have sought asylum in the UK — nearly triple the number a decade earlier.
• Unprecedented pressure on UK systems. Over 100,000 asylum seekers currently live in taxpayer-funded accommodation.
• Small boat crossings and overstaying visas. Nearly 40% of claimants arrived via small boats, while another 37% entered on legal visas and then claimed asylum.
• Rising illegal working and exploitation. Weaknesses in enforcement have allowed many migrants with no right to work to enter the illegal economy.
• Slow removals. Historically low removal rates have emboldened people smugglers and reduced deterrence.
• A more generous system than many European nations. The UK has been a destination of choice, with EU asylum claims falling while UK claims rise.

The government argues that the asylum system — built for a different era — is now misaligned with modern migration patterns and increasingly abused by economic migrants or those “asylum shopping” across Europe for the most favourable conditions.

Core Goals of the New UK Asylum Reforms

The government’s 2025 asylum overhaul focuses on:

• Reducing new arrivals, especially illegal Channel crossings.
• Speeding up removals for those with no legal right to stay.
• Deterring economic migration disguised as asylum seeking.
• Retaining protection for genuine refugees, but under stricter, temporary conditions.
• Ensuring asylum support reflects compliance, not entitlement.
• Restoring public confidence in the asylum system.

New Core Protection Model: Temporary, Not Permanent

The current asylum model offers a five-year stay followed by near-automatic settlement and family reunion. The new system replaces this with “core protection” — a temporary, more limited form of refugee support.

Key changes include:

✔️ Shortened Leave to Remain

Refugees will receive 30 months of leave, not 5 years. Renewals depend on ongoing need for protection.

✔️ Settlement After 20 Years, Not 5

There will be no automatic settlement pathway. Indefinite Leave to Remain will only be possible after 20 years, pending an “earned settlement” process.

✔️ Work & Study Route for Faster Settlement

Refugees will be encouraged to switch into a Protection Work and Study Visa, where settlement can be earned sooner by contributing to the UK economy or studying at a higher level.

✔️ Tighter Family Reunion Rules

Family reunion will no longer be automatic. Only those who move off core protection may become eligible to sponsor family members under the same rules as other migrants.

✔️ Reduced Access to Benefits

Future reforms may restrict benefits unless refugees demonstrate economic contribution. A full consultation will begin in 2026.

This model follows approaches already used in Denmark and other Northern European countries.

Asylum Support Overhaul: From Duty to Discretion

The UK will no longer have a legal obligation to support asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute. Instead, support becomes discretionary, based on compliance and need.

Support will be denied to:

• those able to work (e.g., visa holders with work rights)
• those who deliberately make themselves destitute
• those who refuse relocation or disrupt accommodation
• those who break UK laws or breach immigration rules

Contributions From Assets

Where asylum seekers have assets or income, they will be required to contribute to accommodation costs.

Ending Hotel Use for Asylum Seekers

At its peak in 2023, the UK housed people in 400 asylum hotels costing £9 million per day.

The government aims to:

• Close all asylum hotels by the end of this Parliament
• Move to large-scale accommodation sites, including military locations like Cameron Barracks and Crowborough Training Camp
• Use repurposed schools, community centres, hospitals, former airports, and other large facilities, as seen in Germany and Denmark

Cracking Down on Illegal Working

The UK has intensified efforts to stop illegal work exploitation in sectors like construction, hospitality, delivery services, and beauty services.

Recent enforcement results:

• 11,000 illegal working raids in a year
• 2,100 civil penalties on employers totalling £117 million
• Over 1,000 removals of illegal workers
• 63% more arrests for illegal working offences

New measures include:

• Expanded right-to-work checks for gig economy and subcontracted workers
• Mandatory digital ID for proving the right to work by 2029
• Data-sharing agreements with major delivery platforms

These changes aim to reduce the incentive for people to enter the UK’s illegal labour market.

Increasing Removals

The government has pledged a “hard-headed approach” to removing individuals with no right to stay.

Performance improvements include:

• 48,000 removals since Starmer took office
• 36,600 returns in the year to October 2025 — a 10% rise
• 5,400 foreign national offender removals — a 12% rise
• Backlog 47% lower than its 2023 peak

UK authorities intend to:

• remove more refused asylum seekers, including families
• resume returns to countries where they were previously paused
• reform appeals processes that delay deportation
• remove those who break rules or refuse relocation

Safe and Legal Routes for Genuine Refugees

Despite tougher restrictions, the government insists the UK will remain a “safe haven for those fleeing danger.”

Planned additions include:

• New capped refugee routes for individuals for whom the UK is the first safe country
• Expanded community sponsorship, ensuring local communities directly shape the scale of arrivals

This model seeks to maintain compassion while ensuring fairness and control.

Conclusion: A Transformative Shift in UK Asylum Policy

The UK’s new asylum system represents a major turning point — moving from a generous, permanent-protection model to a controlled, temporary, compliance-based system aligned with modern migration realities.

Key outcomes the government aims to achieve:

• Fewer small boat crossings
• Reduced exploitation by people smugglers
• Faster removals
• Lower costs to taxpayers
• Stronger border control
• Continued protection for genuine refugees

As the reforms are implemented, the UK hopes to create a fair, stable, modern asylum system that reflects the nation’s values while restoring public confidence in immigration management.

Our View as Solicitors: What These Reforms Mean for Applicants, Families and Employers

As immigration solicitors, we recognise that the 2025 asylum reforms represent one of the most significant shifts in UK immigration policy in decades. While the government’s objective is to strengthen border control and reduce illegal migration, the new framework introduces substantial legal and practical implications for asylum seekers, families, employers and support organisations.

The 2025 asylum reforms aim to rebalance the UK system, but they also introduce new complexities and potential risks. For individuals seeking protection and for employers navigating compliance duties, professional legal support is more important than ever.

Our firm is committed to providing clear, compassionate and strategic legal guidance throughout this new landscape. Whether you are seeking asylum, supporting a family member, or managing right-to-work obligations, we are here to ensure your rights are protected and your case is presented with the strongest possible representation.