The UK Home Office has introduced reforms requiring asylum seekers to pay approximately £10,000 (around N18 million) to be eligible for settlement, according to TheCable.
The bill was presented to parliament on Tuesday, granting the Home Office powers to recover costs from adults who have received asylum support, including subsistence or accommodation, provided they have access to sufficient funds.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said asylum seekers in the UK have become “a financial burden on the taxpayer,” adding that “once people can contribute and repay the generosity of the British people, we expect them to do so.” The new costs will also apply to previous asylum seekers who leave the UK and wish to return.
Key Points:
Asylum seekers face a heavy financial barrier to settlement
Many may struggle to pay £10,000 even after gaining employment
The policy shifts the financial burden from taxpayers to individuals
The measure could deter asylum seekers from choosing the UK
Previous asylum seekers wishing to return must also pay
The bill is now before parliament. If passed, asylum seekers will face significant financial hurdles to settlement.
Sources: The Cable, UK Home Office
