The UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has announced new immigration legislation tightening rules on asylum support and accommodation as the government seeks stricter border controls.
Under the proposed changes, asylum seekers may lose eligibility for state accommodation and financial support if they have access to funds, a criminal record, or the legal right to work in the UK. The reforms are expected to take effect in June 2026.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), Mahmood said the policy aimed to balance tougher enforcement with legal migration pathways.
Key developments
• Asylum support eligibility restricted to applicants without funds, criminal records, or work rights.
• New safe and legal migration route for study or work to be announced in autumn 2026.
• Mahmood added that a limited number of failed asylum seekers would be offered an “increased incentive payment” of £10,000 per person, and up to £40,000 per family, to leav under a new pilot scheme.
• Visa requirements introduced for citizens of St Lucia and Nicaragua.
• Study visas to be blocked for Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan and halt work visas for Afghans.
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