The UK has a proud history of providing protection to those who genuinely need it. Protecting them for as long as it is needed, is in accordance with our international obligations. This will not change. The principle that people genuinely fleeing persecution should be welcomed is one this Government will always defend.

However, the system we inherited was broken. Since 2021, over 425,000 people have claimed asylum in the UK. Just a decade before (2011-2015), that figure was around 150,000. Rising arrivals and falling removals has placed considerable strain on the country and the taxpayer.

We must tackle the factors that incentivise people to come to the UK. Today, seeking asylum in Britain is more attractive than in other countries in Europe. A 5-year initial period of leave leads, almost automatically, to settled status. This means refugee status is, in effect, permanent from day one. This encourages asylum-seekers to pass through other safe countries in pursuit of asylum here.

Currently, refugees, some of whom arrive illegally, get more generous entitlements than other migrants. This is unfair to people who follow the rules of the managed migration system including British citizens. We want to make the system fairer for the British public and migrants who play by the rules.

The statement sets out a fair and firm approach to restoring order to the system, which is essential for building community cohesion. By increasing public confidence in the integrity of the asylum system, the reforms will help build trust and reduce tensions within communities.

At the same time, these reforms support successful integration for those granted protection, enabling them to contribute positively to society. Integration brings significant benefits for individuals, taxpayers, and communities. It is wholly right that we strive to achieve these goals as they are essential to secure public confidence. It is only by operating a fair, effective and functioning system that we can maintain this country's long tradition of helping those fleeing peril.

As such, the statement sets out a new approach to refugee protection in the UK, which marks a significant change in direction away from an assumption of offering permanent protection, and towards a more basic, temporary protection which we call ‘core protection’.

This government will never step back from our responsibility to provide protection to those fleeing war and persecution. But we will now restore this to the intention of the 1951 Convention. That refugee status is a temporary sanctuary. A safe haven until a return home is possible. This is entirely in accordance with our international obligations but does not exceed them.

Refugees will receive 30 months’ permission to stay instead of 5 years. Protection needs will be regularly reassessed, and they will not have an automatic right to bring family members to the UK. They will be on a 20-year route to settlement rather than being able to apply after 5 years.

The Government does not believe that refugees should remain on core protection long-term. We want to encourage refugees to integrate more fully into the communities providing them sanctuary and rebuild their lives. To address this, we will encourage refugees to switch out of the core protection route wherever possible. We will introduce a new, in-country Protection Work and Study route. A person granted protection will be eligible to apply if they obtain employment or commence study at an appropriate level and pay a fee. Once on this route, individuals will be able to access family reunion rights and become eligible to ‘earn’ settlement sooner than under core protection alone.

This Government has never operated a policy of automatic settlement for refugees granted limited permission. We will carefully manage the transition into the new system to ensure the offer remains clear and fair.

All settlement applications will continue to be carefully considered on their individual merits. This includes assessing whether there have been significant changes in country conditions or personal circumstances, which means that an individual no longer needs our protection. We will not remove anyone to their own or any other country where they have a well-founded fear of persecution or are at risk of serious harm.

Impacts on vulnerable individuals are at the front and centre of our work. Under our new offer, those who remain at risk will continue to remain in the UK for as long as necessary. 

We are considering the appropriate pathways for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, families with children, and other vulnerable asylum seekers, taking into account their needs and vulnerabilities.

The Government has consulted on settlement requirements as part of a review on earned settlement. The feedback is being analysed, and the Home Office will publish a response in due course. Further details on the proposals can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/earned-settlement

Home Office