The UK government has unveiled new immigration reforms that will require asylum seekers who are financially capable to repay about £10,000 in housing and financial support costs before they can qualify for permanent settlement in Britain.
The UK Home Office announced the policy on its official X account on Tuesday, stating that eligible migrants would be expected to contribute towards the cost of the support they received while seeking asylum.
According to the Home Office, “New reforms will see asylum seekers pay towards the cost of their housing and financial support. Migrants who can afford to are expected to pay around £10,000 to be eligible for settlement.”
Under the proposed rules, asylum seekers who leave the UK with unpaid balances will be required to clear their debts before they can return to the country.
The repayment scheme will be means-tested, allowing eligible migrants to make monthly payments or have deductions made from their benefits. Officials said safeguards would be put in place to ensure no one is pushed into financial hardship.
The government said the policy is aimed at easing the financial burden on taxpayers, noting that the UK currently spends about £4 billion annually on asylum accommodation and support.
Home Office officials said the reforms are intended to ensure that migrants who later become financially stable contribute towards the public support they previously received.
Defending the proposal, Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood said receiving asylum support comes with responsibilities.
“Receiving asylum support is a right, but it is also a responsibility. Once people can contribute and repay the generosity of the British people, we expect them to do so,” she said.
The proposed reforms are expected to be debated by Members of Parliament in the coming weeks as the government seeks to curb rising migration-related costs while maintaining protection for genuine asylum seekers.
