'Civilising the native' was a common narrative peddled by colonial powers. However, it seems the colonial hangover still persists.UK is now handing out booklets to asylum seekers, preaching appropriate behaviour.&nbsp;To begin with, the nine-page document tells asylum seekers that women do not need permission from a male relative to work, study, travel, earn their money, and choose their life partner.&nbsp;In an inherent assumption about their mindset, the booklet also tells them not to commit domestic abuse and rape, citing the drastic consequences involved.&nbsp;This is not all.&nbsp;The UK home office instructs asylum seekers to not make kissing noises, sexual comments or rude gestures at someone irrespective of whether they are in public spaces, with friends or alone.&nbsp;On its part though, the UK home office stressed that asylum seekers need to be apprised of local laws, which may differ from those in their home countries, so that they stay out of trouble.&nbsp;Justifiying the booklet, UK PM Andy Burnham told the media, “We have a very clear principle. If you break UK law, you will be removed from the country.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

This also comes in the wake of sexual offence convictions of foreign nationals in UK increasing by 62% from 2021 to 2024. As per available data, the rate of increase in this four-year period was higher among foreigners than British nationals. The UK's government move did not sit well with the opposition though. For instance, Green Party's Jenny Jones told Sky News, "This is a dangerous and unnecessary move by the home office, which feeds into right-wing tropes, and fuels misinformation around migrants and people seeking asylum.” On the other hand, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage hit out at the UK home office for spending so much money on these booklets instead of not allowing entry of illegal immigrants. Why has this become a big talking point though? With close to 93,000 people applying for asylum in UK from April 2025 to March 2026, illegal immigration has become subject of a political debate. While UK has every right to expect residents to follow its rules, a key question arises. Is it right to stereotype people from certain countries? It is high time governments realise this is not okay.

The UK Home Office instructs asylum seekers to not make kissing noises, sexual comments or rude gestures at someone. The nine-page document tells asylum seekers that women do not need permission from a male relative to work, study, travel, earn their money, and choose their life partner.

'Civilising the native' was a common narrative peddled by colonial powers. However, it seems the colonial hangover still persists. UK is now handing out booklets to asylum seekers, preaching appropriate behaviour. To begin with, the nine-page document tells asylum seekers that women do not need permission from a male relative to work, study, travel, earn their money, and choose their life partner. In an inherent assumption about their mindset, the booklet also tells them not to commit domestic abuse and rape, citing the drastic consequences involved. This is not all. The UK home office instructs asylum seekers to not make kissing noises, sexual comments or rude gestures at someone irrespective of whether they are in public spaces, with friends or alone. On its part though, the UK home office stressed that asylum seekers need to be apprised of local laws, which may differ from those in their home countries, so that they stay out of trouble. Justifiying the booklet, UK PM Andy Burnham told the media, “We have a very clear principle. If you break UK law, you will be removed from the country.”

The UK Home Office instructs asylum seekers to not make kissing noises, sexual comments or rude gestures at someone. The nine-page document tells asylum seekers that women do not need permission from a male relative to work, study, travel, earn their money, and choose their life partner.

UK gives instruction to asylum seekers: no rape, no harassment, no ‘kissing sounds’ | Gravitas

#Gravitas The UK government has faced criticism over a booklet distributed to asylum seekers outlining expected standards of behaviour. The guidance reportedly tells recipients not to commit rape, harass others or make unwanted “kissing sounds”.

The booklet has sparked debate over whether such basic conduct guidelines are necessary and how the government is communicating behavioural expectations to asylum seekers.

UK tells asylum seekers: No rape, harassment or “kissing sounds” 

UK’s Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said on Sunday that the asylum system in the country has gone “out of control” and is putting huge pressure on communities. She also announced plans to end the permanent status of refugees, who would need to reapply every two and a half years to remain in Britain. The home secretary further said that refugees, including Ukrainians, who have established lives and have homes and families in the UK will have to return if their home countries become safe, a policy modelled on the controversial system in Denmark. Mahmood is likely to make the announcements on Monday.&nbsp;Refugees are currently given protection for five years, after which they can apply for indefinite leave to remain, which offers a route to British citizenship. As per the planned changes, people who arrive illegally will have to wait 20 years before they can apply for permanent settlement, but this will apply only to new arrivals.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-ceo-stopped-by-fbi-slams-rising-hostility-towards-immigrants-in-us-1763238517055">Indian-origin CEO stopped by FBI, slams rising hostility towards immigrants in US</a>&nbsp;She also rejected accusations that the government was using the language of the far right. “I am the child of migrants myself. My parents came to this country lawfully in the late 60s and in the 70s. Immigration is absolutely woven into my experience as a Brit and also that of thousands of my constituents,” she said.&nbsp;“This is a moral mission for me, because I can see illegal migration is tearing our country apart. It is dividing communities. People can see huge pressure in their communities, and they can also see a system that is broken and where people are able to flout the rules, abuse the system and get away with it,” she added.Mahmood said that the reforms will change the assumption that sanctuary provided to refugees can very quickly lead to permanent settlement.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slashes-tariffs-on-groceries-fearing-us-voters-ire-over-inflation-cheers-indian-exporters-1763234307740">Trump rolls back tariffs on groceries fearing US voters’ ire over inflation; Indian exporters cheer</a>&nbsp;She said Ukrainians had come to the UK under a different system but it is still a temporary arrangement.&nbsp;“And of course, it is the wish of most of those Ukrainian individuals that one day they will return to Ukraine once the conflict is over.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Mahmood said some rules had led to a system under which asylum seekers had more access to protected accommodation than some British citizens. Besides, those granted asylum will now have to comply with the laws and rules. “Those who have the right to work should work and support themselves.”&nbsp;WATCH: USA: Tulsi Gabbard sounds alarm on Islamic extremism<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/usa-gabbard-sounds-alarm-on-islamic-extremism-1763299432306/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/usa-gabbard-sounds-alarm-on-islamic-extremism-1763299432306/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The government has said assistance will become discretionary, meaning it will be able to deny help to those who can work or have assets.Mahmood says the proposals are “the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times” and will help “restore control and fairness”.&nbsp;Majortiy of the 100,000 people getting asylum support in the UK have been given accommodation by the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Home Office also announced that AI would be used to assess the ages of people who arrived illegally. The facial age-estimation technology has been trained on thousands of images.

Mahmood said some rules had led to a system under which asylum seekers had more access to protected accommodation than some British citizens. Besides, those granted asylum will now have to comply with the laws and rules. Those who have the right to work should support themselves, she added.

UK’s Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said on Sunday that the asylum system in the country has gone “out of control” and is putting huge pressure on communities. She also announced plans to end the permanent status of refugees, who would need to reapply every two and a half years to remain in Britain. The home secretary further said that refugees, including Ukrainians, who have established lives and have homes and families in the UK will have to return if their home countries become safe, a policy modelled on the controversial system in Denmark. Mahmood is likely to make the announcements on Monday. Refugees are currently given protection for five years, after which they can apply for indefinite leave to remain, which offers a route to British citizenship. As per the planned changes, people who arrive illegally will have to wait 20 years before they can apply for permanent settlement, but this will apply only to new arrivals. Also Read: Indian-origin CEO stopped by FBI, slams rising hostility towards immigrants in US She also rejected accusations that the government was using the language of the far right. “I am the child of migrants myself. My parents came to this country lawfully in the late 60s and in the 70s. Immigration is absolutely woven into my experience as a Brit and also that of thousands of my constituents,” she said. “This is a moral mission for me, because I can see illegal migration is tearing our country apart. It is dividing communities. People can see huge pressure in their communities, and they can also see a system that is broken and where people are able to flout the rules, abuse the system and get away with it,” she added. Mahmood said that the reforms will change the assumption that sanctuary provided to refugees can very quickly lead to permanent settlement. Also Read: Trump rolls back tariffs on groceries fearing US voters’ ire over inflation; Indian exporters cheer She said Ukrainians had come to the UK under a different system but it is still a temporary arrangement. “And of course, it is the wish of most of those Ukrainian individuals that one day they will return to Ukraine once the conflict is over.” Mahmood said some rules had led to a system under which asylum seekers had more access to protected accommodation than some British citizens. Besides, those granted asylum will now have to comply with the laws and rules. “Those who have the right to work should work and support themselves.” WATCH: USA: Tulsi Gabbard sounds alarm on Islamic extremism https://www.wionews.com/videos/usa-gabbard-sounds-alarm-on-islamic-extremism-1763299432306/embed The government has said assistance will become discretionary, meaning it will be able to deny help to those who can work or have assets. Mahmood says the proposals are “the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times” and will help “restore control and fairness”. Majortiy of the 100,000 people getting asylum support in the UK have been given accommodation by the state. The Home Office also announced that AI would be used to assess the ages of people who arrived illegally. The facial age-estimation technology has been trained on thousands of images.

Mahmood said some rules had led to a system under which asylum seekers had more access to protected accommodation than some British citizens. Besides, those granted asylum will now have to comply with the laws and rules. Those who have the right to work should support themselves, she added.

Asylum system is broken, illegal migration ‘tearing our country apart’, says UK home secretary

UK is expected to announce some plans to introduce reforms in its current asylum policies. There would be changes in the immigration rules as well amid surging anti-immigrant sentiment and challenges from right-wing parties. The expected changes in the policy will be unveiled by the ruling Labour government in full on Monday (Nov 17).&nbsp;As per a report by CNN, the changes are partially modeled on Denmark’s approach, which has one of Europe’s toughest rules for refugees. CNN reported that UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will announce an end to permanent protection for refugees and cuts to living allowances among a series of reforms designed to make Britain less attractive to illegal migrants.&nbsp;“On Monday, I will announce the most significant changes to our asylum system in modern times," Mahmood said.&nbsp;“We need to reduce the numbers coming here illegally. We need to remove more people who have no right to be here. We will always be a country that gives sanctuary to those fleeing danger, but we must restore order and control," she added.&nbsp;Speaking to the BBC on Sunday, Mahmood said there would be different approaches depending on the circumstances. “What the new reforms will do is change that generations-old assumption that sanctuary provided to refugees can very quickly lead to permanent settlement and all of the rights that go alongside that,” she said.&nbsp;“If you are working and contributing, you will be able to earn an earlier settlement ... And the totality of that package will promote fairness and contribution.”&nbsp;“This is a moral mission for me, because I can see illegal migration is tearing our country apart. It is dividing communities. People can see huge pressure in their communities, and they can also see a system that is broken and where people are able to flout the rules, abuse the system and get away with it," she said.&nbsp; &nbsp;

 UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will announce an end to permanent protection for refugees and cuts to living allowances among a series of reforms designed to make Britain less attractive to illegal migrants.

UK is expected to announce some plans to introduce reforms in its current asylum policies. There would be changes in the immigration rules as well amid surging anti-immigrant sentiment and challenges from right-wing parties. The expected changes in the policy will be unveiled by the ruling Labour government in full on Monday (Nov 17). As per a report by CNN, the changes are partially modeled on Denmark’s approach, which has one of Europe’s toughest rules for refugees. CNN reported that UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will announce an end to permanent protection for refugees and cuts to living allowances among a series of reforms designed to make Britain less attractive to illegal migrants. “On Monday, I will announce the most significant changes to our asylum system in modern times," Mahmood said. “We need to reduce the numbers coming here illegally. We need to remove more people who have no right to be here. We will always be a country that gives sanctuary to those fleeing danger, but we must restore order and control," she added. Speaking to the BBC on Sunday, Mahmood said there would be different approaches depending on the circumstances. “What the new reforms will do is change that generations-old assumption that sanctuary provided to refugees can very quickly lead to permanent settlement and all of the rights that go alongside that,” she said. “If you are working and contributing, you will be able to earn an earlier settlement ... And the totality of that package will promote fairness and contribution.” “This is a moral mission for me, because I can see illegal migration is tearing our country apart. It is dividing communities. People can see huge pressure in their communities, and they can also see a system that is broken and where people are able to flout the rules, abuse the system and get away with it," she said.

&nbsp;UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will announce an end to permanent protection for refugees and cuts to living allowances among a series of reforms designed to make Britain less attractive to illegal migrants.

UK to announce ‘most significant’ changes in asylum rules. What could they be?

The British government announced on Tuesday (September 12) that the officials will use X-rays and MRI scans to determine the age of asylum seekers who are apparently falsely claiming to be unaccompanied children.&nbsp;

The move will facilitate the government's plans to restrict what it calls "illegal" migration to the UK, which has emerged as a highly contentious political issue.&nbsp;

The interior ministry said that the legislation unveiled this week by the justice ministry will "authorise the use of X-rays in scientific age assessments". It still needs parliament's approval.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gender-apartheid-iran-proposes-harsher-laws-including-up-to-10-years-in-prison-for-violating-hijab-laws-635703">'Gender apartheid'? Iran proposes harsher punishment, up to 10 years in prison, for violating Hijab laws</a>&nbsp;

The interior ministry will introduce further laws specifying that X-rays of teeth and bones of the hands and wrists as well as MRIs of knees and collar bones "can be used as part of the age assessment process".&nbsp;

Immigration minister Robert Jenrick wants to introduce scientific tests to determine the age of those arriving in the nation.&nbsp;

Many European countries have been using such tests, but some campaigners and medical professionals have questioned their reliability.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-russia-launches-massive-attack-on-ports-of-danube-region-635723">Ukraine claims Russia launches 'massive' attack on ports of Danube region</a>&nbsp;

The interior ministry said: "Age assessment is an important process to help prevent asylum-seeking adults posing as children as a way of accessing support they are not entitled to, and allow genuine children to access age-appropriate services."&nbsp;

It noted that between 2016 and June 2023, there were over 11,275 asylum cases where age was disputed and almost half of the individuals (5,551) were found to be adults.&nbsp;

The official figures state that more than 23,000 migrants have now crossed the English Channel in small boats so far this year.&nbsp;

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The British government announced on Tuesday (September 12) that the officials will use X-rays and MRI scans to determine the age of asylum seekers who are apparently falsely claiming to be unaccompanied children.

The British government announced on Tuesday (September 12) that the officials will use X-rays and MRI scans to determine the age of asylum seekers who are apparently falsely claiming to be unaccompanied children. The move will facilitate the government's plans to restrict what it calls "illegal" migration to the UK, which has emerged as a highly contentious political issue. The interior ministry said that the legislation unveiled this week by the justice ministry will "authorise the use of X-rays in scientific age assessments". It still needs parliament's approval. Also read: 'Gender apartheid'? Iran proposes harsher punishment, up to 10 years in prison, for violating Hijab laws The interior ministry will introduce further laws specifying that X-rays of teeth and bones of the hands and wrists as well as MRIs of knees and collar bones "can be used as part of the age assessment process". Immigration minister Robert Jenrick wants to introduce scientific tests to determine the age of those arriving in the nation. Many European countries have been using such tests, but some campaigners and medical professionals have questioned their reliability. Also read: Ukraine claims Russia launches 'massive' attack on ports of Danube region The interior ministry said: "Age assessment is an important process to help prevent asylum-seeking adults posing as children as a way of accessing support they are not entitled to, and allow genuine children to access age-appropriate services." It noted that between 2016 and June 2023, there were over 11,275 asylum cases where age was disputed and almost half of the individuals (5,551) were found to be adults. The official figures state that more than 23,000 migrants have now crossed the English Channel in small boats so far this year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK to introduce X-ray age checks for asylum seekers to gauge their ‘real’ age

Indians account for the third largest group of migrants who have crossed the English Channel in small boats so far this year. UK home office has reportedly told Times they believe that Indian students are using loophole in asylum rules.

UK: 250 Indians arrive in small boats; much cheaper than visa route

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UK gives instruction to asylum seekers: no rape, no harassment, no ‘kissing sounds’ | Gravitas

UK tells asylum seekers: No rape, harassment or “kissing sounds”

Asylum system is broken, illegal migration tearing country apart: Home Secretary

UK to announce ‘most significant’ changes in asylum rules. What could they be?

UK to introduce X-ray age checks for asylum seekers to gauge their ‘real’ age

UK: 250 Indians arrive in small boats; much cheaper than visa route