The government of the United Kingdom (UK) has announced that persons granted asylum will be required to pay back approximately £10,000 towards the cost of their accommodation and support once they start earning.

These changes will be included in the upcoming Immigration and Asylum Bill, which is scheduled to be presented to Parliament.

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This comes as government figures show that supporting asylum seekers cost taxpayers around £4 billion last year.

Publicly owned accommodation costs an average of £23.25 per night per person, compared to £144 per night in a hotel, while weekly subsistence payments range from £9.95 to £49.18 per person.

The new rules will apply to adults with sufficient funds who have the right to work in the UK. Refugees must clear this debt before they can become eligible for permanent settlement.

The Home Office has not yet determined the minimum income threshold required before monthly instalments begin, but the Home Secretary will have the power to adjust future charges and repayment thresholds to ensure the system remains fair to taxpayers without forcing individuals into destitution.

Those whose asylum claims have been rejected will also be subject to the repayments if their income meets the designated threshold.

Explaining the rationale behind the policy, Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, stated:
“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.”

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However, the plans…