(London) Britain is set to undertake the largest reform of its asylum policy in modern history, emulating countries like Denmark to strictly control the status and conditions of refugees. This is the latest effort by the Labour government to counter the anti-immigrant Reform Party and win back voter support.
In a statement on Saturday (November 15), the Home Office stated that the reform aims to reduce Britain's attractiveness to illegal immigrants while making it easier for authorities to deport them.
Britain will remove the statutory obligation to provide assistance to certain asylum seekers, including housing and weekly allowances. This new provision applies to asylum seekers who are capable of working but choose not to, as well as those who violate the law.
The statement emphasized that British taxpayers' money will be prioritized for asylum seekers who contribute to the economy and community.
Home Secretary Mahmoud is expected to announce more details of the reform on Monday (November 17). He said in a statement: "Britain has always prided itself on welcoming those fleeing danger, but our generosity is attracting illegal immigrants across the English Channel. The speed and scale of this influx is putting enormous pressure on British communities."
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The statement said that Britain's move drew on the experience of Denmark and other European countries, which only provide refugees with temporary status and conditional assistance, while requiring refugees to integrate into local communities.
Denmark has one of the strictest asylum policies in Europe, granting immigrants only temporary residence permits typically for two years, after which they must reapply. If the Danish government deems a country safe, it can deport immigrants from that country.
Denmark has also increased the difficulty of citizenship and tightened regulations regarding family reunification. Authorities may also confiscate asylum seekers' assets to offset aid costs.
In contrast, the UK currently offers asylum to those who can prove they face danger in their home country. Those deemed likely to be persecuted can obtain refugee status; refugee status is valid for five years, after which, if certain conditions are met, permanent residency can be applied for.
In the year ending March 2025, 109,343 people applied for asylum in the UK, a 17% surge from the previous year and 6% higher than the peak of 103,081 applications in 2002.
The statement notes that Denmark's strict policies have brought asylum applications to a 40-year low, with 95% of rejected applications resulting in deportation. Human rights organizations, however, criticize Denmark's approach, arguing it fosters hostility towards immigrants and undermines their protection.
More than 100 British charities have jointly written to Mahmoud, urging her to stop scapegoating immigrants and to cease implementing harmful "showboating policies." The letter warns that such measures only fuel racism and violence.
Currently, immigration has surpassed the economy as the most pressing issue for British voters. Since taking office last July, the Labour government has continuously tightened immigration policies, particularly cracking down on small immigrant boats from France, in an effort to counter the Reform Party's rising popularity due to its hardline anti-immigrant stance. Polls indicate that if a general election were held now, the Reform Party, currently holding only five seats, would become the largest party in Parliament.
It is anticipated that tightening immigration policies in the UK may provoke opposition from the Labour left and others. Critics argue that the Starmer government is abandoning those fleeing persecution and war and is being led by the nose by Reform Party leader Nigel Farage.
It remains unclear whether following Denmark's example will effectively reduce the number of asylum seekers. Solomon, chief executive of the UK Refugee Council, said: "Refugees do not compare different asylum systems before they flee. They come to the UK because they have relatives here, speak some English, or have long-standing connections that can help them rebuild their lives safely."
