The introduction of such a period applies to individuals who arrived in the UK illegally — for example, on small boats or in trucks, as well as those who applied for asylum after their visa expired. However, for "qualified refugees," there are mitigating conditions that allow for the reduction of the 20-year period through participation in certain types of work or study.
Individuals who legally arrive in the UK through special refugee resettlement programs will be able to obtain permanent residency in 10 years.
Currently, refugee status is granted for a period of five years, after which one can apply for permanent residency. Shabana Mahmood also intends to reduce this period to two and a half years, after which refugee status will be subject to regular review. If the country of origin is deemed safe, such refugees may be returned.
According to the minister, the new rules "are primarily aimed at conveying to people that coming to the country as illegal migrants is not advisable." She noted: "It is important to send a clear signal to those who are currently crossing several safe countries in Europe, wishing to get on a boat in northern France: this journey is not worth the risk."
As reported by The Sunday Times, these initiatives were developed taking into account reforms implemented in Denmark, where the number of asylum applications has significantly decreased to a 40-year low, and 95% of applicants are denied.
