Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to outline the change on Monday as part of the government’s effort to reduce asylum claims. Under current rules, refugees are typically granted five years of leave before becoming eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Under the new approach, asylum seekers would no longer be placed on a path toward permanent residency and would instead face removal once their home nations are considered safe.
The shift follows reports that the UK has been studying Denmark’s model, which is one of the strictest asylum systems in Europe. In Denmark, refugees generally receive two-year temporary residence permits and must reapply when those permits expire. Mahmood and other UK officials have publicly praised Denmark’s policies and have signaled interest in adopting similar measures.
The move comes as polling shows rising support among UK voters for conservative groups calling for tighter immigration controls. Mahmood has said that unless Labor takes action, “darker forces” will take advantage of the UK.
"We will always be a country that gives sanctuary to people who are fleeing danger but we must restore order and control,” Mahmood said in a social media video.
Mahmood is expected to tell Parliament on Monday that the changes are necessary to prevent further gains by right-wing parties, particularly Reform UK, which has grown in support. According to the BBC, Mahmood is also expected to acknowledge that the UK’s borders are “out of control” and will warn in her speech, “If you don't like this, you won't like what follows me."
