British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that settling permanently in the United Kingdom will no longer be automatic for refugees; instead, they will need to earn the right to remain under new government proposals.
Starmer outlined plans to eliminate automatic family reunion rights for asylum seekers and to revise the criteria for long-term residency.
Since September, new applications under the refugee family reunion program have been put on hold.
The Prime Minister is set to discuss these initiatives and explore collaborative strategies with European leaders to manage illegal migration at the upcoming European Political Community (EPC) summit on Thursday.
Starmer emphasized, “Those seeking to live in the UK should actively contribute to society.”
He added, “This is a fair and tolerant approach that reflects the values of our communities, but the current system is no longer effective.”
“Fundamental changes are needed in what asylum seekers are entitled to receive while in the UK.”
He stressed that settlement should be granted based on meaningful contribution rather than risky journeys facilitated by people smugglers.
While affirming the UK’s commitment to offering refuge to those escaping persecution, Starmer highlighted the necessity to tackle the factors encouraging dangerous small boat crossings.
“There won’t be an easy pass to permanent settlement; individuals must earn it,” he stated.
Additionally, Starmer will reveal a new initiative aimed at addressing migration drivers in the Western Balkans during talks with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
The program, supported by funding up to £3 million ($4 million), focuses on encouraging residents to stay in their home regions and find employment opportunities locally.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to detail comprehensive reforms later this year, which will lengthen the pathway to settlement for refugees.
These reforms will require refugees to make tangible contributions to the UK and will end the automatic right to bring family members.
Despite the changes, the government assures that refugees will still receive essential protection and will not be forced to return to danger.
Under the new system, refugees will have to follow a longer, contribution-based route to permanent settlement, replacing the current five-year period.
At the recent Labour Party conference, the Home Secretary outlined stricter conditions for indefinite leave to remain, including requirements such as employment, no benefits dependency, proficiency in English, and a clean criminal record.
Applicants will also need to meet specific national insurance contribution levels and demonstrate community involvement.
The Refugee Council cautioned that halting family reunification could drive more people to seek smugglers, noting that the majority of family reunion visas benefit women and children.
Jon Featonby, policy chief at the Refugee Council, remarked, “Similar policies have been tried before without reducing small boat crossings.”
He added, “Previous attempts to deter risky journeys by limiting refugees’ rights in the UK failed, restricting both family reunification and settlement.”
“These measures have historically harmed integration efforts and left refugees feeling insecure, often separating children from their parents.”
“Cutting family reunification options only pushes vulnerable people toward smugglers in desperate attempts to reunite.”
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philip dismissed the proposals as mere political posturing and urged Starmer to repeal the Human Rights Act concerning immigration, following Conservative suggestions.
Philip criticized, “Changing family rules is just another empty gesture from Starmer, similar to his previous failed ‘smash the gangs’ and immigration gimmicks.”
So far this year, over 34,000 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats, setting a new record since data collection began in 2018.