British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to overhaul the UK’s asylum system, stating that refugees will need to earn the right to remain in the country long term. The changes are aimed at ending automatic settlement and family reunion rights for people granted asylum.
Under the proposed reforms, refugees will face a longer path to permanent settlement, replacing the current five-year route. To qualify for indefinite leave to remain, individuals will need to meet stricter requirements, including being employed, not claiming benefits, demonstrating a good standard of English, and having no criminal record. They will also need to show they have contributed through national insurance payments and, in some cases, by engaging in community work.
Applications for the existing refugee family reunion route have already been suspended since September. The government says it will continue to provide core protection to refugees and will not return them to unsafe countries, but will now expect more from those seeking to build a life in the UK.
Speaking ahead of the European Political Community (EPC) summit, where he will discuss migration with other European leaders, Mr Starmer said the UK must do more to tackle the factors driving illegal small boat crossings. He stressed the importance of a fair and tolerant system that balances compassion with responsibility.
He also announced a new partnership with Denmark to address the root causes of migration in Western Balkan countries. Backed by up to £3 million, the initiative will aim to provide job opportunities in those regions to encourage people to stay rather than attempt migration to the UK or Europe.
Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood will provide full details of the policy changes later in autumn. She has previously said that tougher conditions are necessary to ensure that settlement is granted only to those who genuinely contribute to the UK.
The changes have been met with criticism from refugee advocates. The Refugee Council warned that restricting family reunification could push more people into the hands of smugglers and place vulnerable women and children at greater risk. Chief policy analyst Jon Featonby said that similar policies had been tried in the past without success and argued that they would only make integration more difficult and create further instability for refugee families.
Opposition figures have also criticised the announcement. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philip called the reforms a gimmick and accused the Prime Minister of failing to offer serious solutions. He reiterated the Conservative Party’s position that the Human Rights Act should be repealed in immigration cases.
The policy shift comes as the number of people arriving in the UK via small boats has exceeded 34,000 so far in 2025, marking a record high for this time of year since Channel crossing data began being recorded in 2018.