World Immigration News

Britain toughens asylum policy in major overhaul as anti-immigration sentiment rises

Release Date: 2025-11-18
Media: Reuters
Summary: Britain announced a major overhaul of its asylum system, making refugee status temporary and accelerating the deportation of people who enter the country illegally. Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood said the government will reinterpret the European Convention on Human Rights to give UK authorities more control over who can stay.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer argued that the current asylum system is too permissive compared with other European countries and has become a “pull factor” for migrants. The reform—described as the most sweeping in modern times—includes extending the waiting period for refugees to obtain permanent settlement from five to twenty years. The government also warned Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo that they could face visa bans if they refuse to take back illegal migrants and criminals.

Immigration has become the top political issue, with small-boat arrivals fueling support for the hardline Reform UK party. Reform figures criticized the plan as unlikely to be implemented due to opposition within Labour. Some Labour lawmakers also condemned the proposals, warning that the rhetoric could deepen social division and fuel racism.
Tags: United Kingdom

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