People granted asylum in the UK could be required to repay approximately £10,000 towards the cost of their accommodation and support once they begin earning, under new government proposals.

These measures are set to be included in the forthcoming Immigration and Asylum Bill. The government aims to recover costs from all adults deemed to have sufficient funds, framing the repayment as a responsibility tied to the right to asylum support.

Under the plans, asylum seekers who are permitted to work in the UK would need to settle this flat-rate fee before they can be eligible for permanent settlement. The Home Office has stated that the Home Secretary will have the power to adjust the charge and repayment thresholds to ensure fairness to taxpayers without causing destitution among migrants.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood commented that while asylum support is a right, it also entails a responsibility. She added that individuals who can contribute and repay the generosity of the British people are expected to do so. The exact earnings threshold at which monthly installments would begin has not yet been determined.

Experts express concerns about the practical implications and potential impact of these measures. Dr. Madeleine Sumption, director of the University of Oxford's Migration Observatory, suggested the plans would make the immigration system more restrictive, aiming to tighten it while adhering to international refugee and human rights laws.

The Home Office reported that approximately £4 billion of taxpayer money was spent on supporting asylum seekers last year. The costs include daily accommodation, with an average of £23.25 per night in private-rented housing and £144 in hotels, alongside weekly subsistence payments ranging from £9.95 to £49.18 per person.

Charitable organizations have criticized the proposals. The Refugee Council described the plans as "unfair" and "impractical," likening them to an additional tax on refugees that would hinder families from rebuilding their lives. They highlighted that many asylum seekers require support because they are banned from working while their claims are processed.

Furthermore, questions have been raised regarding the feasibility of recouping significant funds. Data from the Migration Observatory indicates that a limited proportion of refugees earn enough to make substantial repayments. In 2023, only about 13% of individuals granted refugee status five years prior were earning £20,000 or more, with the majority earning less or not working at all.