UK to Require Some Refugees to Repay Asylum Support Costs Under New Rules
Government says the policy will reduce costs to taxpayers, while critics warn it could make life harder for refugees starting over.
- Refugees may repay £10,000 after finding work.
- Government says the plan will reduce taxpayer costs.
- Critics warn it adds financial pressure on refugees.
The UK government has announced plans to require many people granted asylum to repay around £10,000 towards the cost of the accommodation and financial support they received while their claims were processed. The proposal is included in the new Immigration and Asylum Bill, which is being introduced in Parliament.
Under the new rules, refugees who earn above a government-set income threshold will repay the amount in instalments. The debt must be cleared before they become eligible for permanent settlement. The Home Secretary will also have the power to adjust both the repayment amount and the income threshold in the future.
The government says the policy is intended to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers, noting that asylum support cost around £4 billion last year. Officials argue that those who are financially able should contribute towards the support they received once they begin earning.
However, refugee organisations have strongly criticised the proposal, describing it as an unfair financial burden on people trying to rebuild their lives. They argue that asylum seekers are generally not allowed to work while their claims are being assessed and only receive support because they are at risk of destitution.
Migration experts have also questioned how much money the scheme would recover, pointing to relatively low employment and earnings among refugees. Despite the criticism, ministers say the bill is part of broader reforms aimed at creating a firmer asylum system while introducing new safe and legal routes for refugees to enter the UK.
