On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice
The UK government has unveiled plans for a radical overhaul of its asylum system, as immigration continues to dominate the political agenda.
Home secretary Shabana Mahmood’s proposals are facing a fierce backlash, having been described by her own Labour MPs as “performatively cruel”.
Under the new rules, refugee status will become temporary – lasting just 30 months instead of the current five years – and will be revoked once it is deemed safe for the individual to return home.
open image in gallery Migrants wade into the water in an attempt to board a small boat on the shoreline in northern France ( Getty )
The UK will also revoke its legal duty to support asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute, and will seize assets and income from asylum seekers to contribute to the cost of their support.
With Britain’s asylum policy set to
Continue Reading on The Independent
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.