The UK government has announced plans to require some asylum seekers to repay the cost of their accommodation and financial support before they can qualify for permanent settlement.
Under the proposed reforms, asylum seekers who are considered financially capable may be asked to contribute about £10,000 towards the support they received while their claims were being processed.
The UK Home Office disclosed the policy on Tuesday, saying repayment of the amount would become one of the conditions for obtaining indefinite leave to remain in the country.
According to the government, migrants who leave the UK without clearing the debt may also be required to settle outstanding payments before being allowed to return.
Officials said the scheme would be means-tested, meaning only those who can afford it would be expected to contribute. Repayments could be made through monthly instalments, deductions from benefits, or other arrangements, with safeguards in place to prevent hardship.
The move is part of efforts to reduce the growing cost of supporting asylum seekers, which the government says currently exceeds £4 billion annually.
The Home Office argued that while asylum support remains a legal entitlement, beneficiaries who later become financially stable should contribute towards the assistance they received.
UK Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood said the policy is intended to ease pressure on taxpayers.
“Receiving asylum support is a right, but it is also a responsibility. Once people can contribute and repay the generosity of the British people, we expect them to do so,” she said.
The proposals are expected to be debated by lawmakers in the coming weeks as the government continues efforts to tackle rising migration-related costs while maintaining protection for legitimate asylum seekers.
