- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has unveiled radical reforms to the UK's asylum system, aiming to tighten rules on who can remain in the country.
- The new legislation restricts the application of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, narrowing the definition of family and requiring asylum seekers to live with immediate family members to claim family ties.
- It will also make it more difficult for asylum seekers to be referred for modern slavery protection, particularly for those with criminal convictions or making claims shortly before deportation.
- Refugees will be required to repay up to £10,000 for housing and financial support once they start working, under a system mirroring student loans.
- The reforms include a fast-track process for last-minute legal challenges and will replace immigration judges with an independent body, allowing asylum seekers only one chance to appeal decisions.
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