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

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.