World Immigration News

Mahmood to unveil anti-migration measures modelled on Danish system

Release Date: 2025-11-14
Media: The Guardian
Summary: The UK home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, is preparing major reforms aimed at making the country less attractive to migrants and easing deportations, drawing inspiration from Denmark’s strict asylum model. Officials recently visited Denmark to study its border and asylum policies, and Mahmood is expected to propose changes to human rights laws so that courts prioritize public safety over migrants’ family life rights or risks of inhumane treatment upon return.

The Home Office describes the reforms as the most sweeping anti-illegal-migration measures in modern times. Since Labour took office, the UK has removed or deported 48,560 people—a 23% increase compared with the 16 months before the election—including rejected asylum seekers and foreign offenders. The government has also sent about 100 people back to France under the “one in, one out” agreement for small-boat arrivals.

Despite these efforts, small-boat crossings remain a major political challenge: 39,075 people have crossed so far this year, up 19% from 2024 and 43% from 2023, though still below 2022 levels. One migrant even re-entered the UK by small boat after being sent back to France.

Denmark’s stricter family-reunification rules and temporary refugee status are among the policies the UK is studying. While some research suggests deterrence policies have limited effect on asylum seekers’ destination choices, a 2017 study found Denmark’s “negative nation branding” significantly reduced asylum applications.
Tags: United Kingdom

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