UK to grant asylum to 60,000 migrants after policy changes
- The Labour government has introduced changes to the asylum system in the UK, allowing over 60,000 illegal migrants to stay permanently.
- These changes include the scrapping of the Rwanda deportation scheme and the repeal of provisions that barred asylum claims for illegal entrants.
- The new policy is expected to lead to a significant increase in processed asylum claims and reflects a shift in the UK's approach to immigration.
In the UK, significant changes to the asylum system have been implemented under Sir Keir Starmer's government, allowing over 60,000 migrants who entered the country illegally to remain permanently. This decision follows the scrapping of the Rwanda deportation scheme and the repeal of provisions in the Illegal Migration Act that previously restricted asylum claims for those arriving illegally. The Refugee Council has projected that approximately 62,801 migrants, many of whom arrived via small boats since March of the previous year, will now have their asylum claims processed. The shift in policy marks a notable departure from the previous Conservative government's approach, which aimed to deter illegal immigration through stringent measures. The Labour government's actions are seen as a response to growing concerns about the treatment of migrants and the humanitarian implications of the prior policies. As a result of these changes, the UK is expected to see an influx of asylum claims being processed, which could lead to a more significant number of individuals being granted refugee status. This development has sparked discussions about the future of immigration policy in the UK and the balance between border security and humanitarian obligations. Overall, the decision reflects a broader shift in the political landscape regarding immigration, with implications for both domestic policy and international relations, particularly concerning the treatment of asylum seekers.