New Law to Strip Refugee Protections from Foreign Sex Offenders in the UK

The UK Government has announced a major amendment to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, confirming that foreign nationals convicted of sex offences will no longer be eligible for refugee protection in the UK.

Under current laws, individuals convicted of a “particularly serious crime” and deemed a danger to the community can be denied asylum. Now, this threshold will be broadened: any conviction that qualifies a person for the Sex Offenders Register will lead to automatic exclusion from refugee status.

Foreign Sex Offenders and Deportation under UK Law

Under the UK Borders Act 2007, the Secretary of State is generally required to make a deportation order for a foreign national who has been convicted of a criminal offence in the UK and sentenced to at least 12 months in prison. This includes sex offenders. However, exceptions apply—for example, if deportation would breach the UK’s international obligations, such as those under the Refugee Convention, the European Convention on Human Rights, or where the offender was under 18 at the time of conviction.

Strip Refugee Protections from Foreign Sex Offenders in the UK

This move forms part of the government’s wider Plan for Change, aimed at:

• Strengthening border security
• Halving violence against women and girls
• Cutting the asylum backlog
• Cracking down on fake immigration advisers

Additionally, AI will be used to speed up asylum decisions, and the First-tier Tribunal will be given a 24-week target to process appeals for individuals in supported accommodation or foreign national offenders.

Businesses in the gig economy will also be legally required to verify the immigration status of their workers—a first-of-its-kind measure to reduce illegal working in sectors like construction, food delivery, and beauty services.

At Deluxe Law Chambers, our experienced immigration solicitors in Manchester stay ahead of all legal changes. If you’re seeking expert advice on asylum, deportation, or immigration compliance, contact us today.