Shabana Mahmood is announcing reforms to fast-track migrant deportations as part of a wide-ranging shake-up of the UK asylum system.
The home secretary intends to increase the pace of deportations of illegal migrants, failed asylum seekers and foreign criminals. They also introduce tougher measures on human rights claims and additional waiting periods for permanent settlement.
Under the new plans, refugees could be returned if their home country was subsequently deemed to have become safe. They would be required to take up residence in the UK and live there for 20 years before they could apply for permanent residence. Under the current rule, applications are permitted after five years.
Mahmood is also to send a warning signal to three African countries — Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo — that visa access could be “blocked” if they did not improve cooperation on returning migrants.
The government says these changes are necessary as asylum claims have hit record highs. Around 111,000 applications were lodged in the year to June 2025. The appeals process has a backlog of more than 50,000 cases, and applicants wait times of at least a year to get an answer.
The measures would restrict asylum seekers to one appeal. If that appeal is then rejected, deportation would come next. Ministers insist this will cut delays and return control to the system. The move also reflects a wider global trend toward stricter deportation policies.
An independent office in the Danish model will be set up to expedite migrant deportation cases that have little hope of success. Foreign criminals will also be removal priorities. Refugee status will be reassessed every two and a half years. They can be returned if the situation in their home country improves.
There would also be a change in the rules of financial support. Payments on a weekly basis and housing will no longer be provided. In other cases, migrants may have to spend savings or real assets like cars on accommodation.
Mahmood also wants to restrict application of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Only individuals with direct family, such as a parent or child in Britain, are able to use it to halt deportation. The government will also seek amendments to Article 3, which prohibits inhuman treatment.
The proposals have elicited a mixed response. Some Conservatives are saying; great but not good enough! Reform UK has estimated that the plans will not get through without changing human rights laws as they stand.
Some Labour MPs are worried by the 20-year rule. Refugee groups caution that prolonged uncertainty could put people in limbo.
The majority of the measures will need to pass in Parliament. The government say the intention is to restore trust in the asylum system, strengthen legal migration controls, and deter people from making dangerous illegal crossings to get into the UK.
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