Forced family returns to increase

Forced family returns to increase
Anadolu Agency

The UK government has unveiled a new package of asylum reforms that will significantly tighten access to refugee status and expand enforced family removals. Under the new rules, successful asylum seekers will now have to wait 20 years—up from five—before applying for permanent residency.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer explained that the reforms respond to rising global instability and record levels of migration. He warned that the current asylum system cannot cope with the increasing flow of arrivals and that a “stronger deterrent” is needed.

The government has said it will provide financial support to help families return to their home countries, with enforced removals applied to those who refuse. Children will not be separated from their parents during the deportation process.

The reforms will also reduce the initial period of leave for refugees from five years to 30 months, restrict financial support, and establish a new body to speed up asylum applications. The government describes these measures as necessary to “restore confidence in the system” and ensure protection for those genuinely fleeing danger.

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