Last Updated on November 16, 2025 3:49 pm by BIZNAMA NEWS
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced a major overhaul of Britain’s asylum system, with the new measures set to take effect tomorrow. The reforms aim to curb irregular migration—particularly the surge in small boat crossings across the English Channel and widespread visa overstays.
The Labour government, facing growing electoral pressure from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, is seeking to project a tougher stance on immigration. Official data shows that nearly 40,000 people have crossed the Channel so far this year, while over 400,000 asylum claims have been filed since 2021. Since taking office, the Home Office has deported or removed approximately 50,000 individuals.
A key feature of the proposed changes is the introduction of temporary refugee protection. Instead of granting long-term security, asylum status would be subject to periodic review. Individuals would be returned to their home country once it is assessed as safe. Additionally, those granted asylum in the UK will now face a 20-year waiting period before they can apply for permanent settlement.
Experts caution that these measures may have limited impact on migration patterns. They note that asylum seekers often make their journeys based on family networks, cultural ties, or language familiarity rather than the specifics of government policy. The proposals are also expected to encounter pushback within the Labour Party, particularly from members concerned about the moral implications of tightening protections for people fleeing conflict and persecution.
Refugee advocacy organisations have urged the government to ensure that humanitarian principles remain central to any reforms, stressing the importance of allowing displaced individuals a fair chance to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity in the UK.