People granted asylum in the UK will be required to repay approximately £10,000 towards the cost of their accommodation and support once they begin earning, the government has announced. These new rules are set to be introduced in the upcoming Immigration and Asylum Bill, which will be presented to Parliament on Tuesday.

The measure applies to asylum seekers who are permitted to work in the UK and requires repayment before they can become eligible for permanent settlement. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that the changes aim to underscore that asylum support is both a right and a responsibility, emphasizing that "Once people can contribute and repay the generosity of the British people, we expect them to do so."

Under the proposed system, migrants who are working and earning a specified amount will be obligated to pay back a fixed sum, estimated at £10,000. The Home Office has not yet specified the income threshold at which these monthly instalments would commence. The Home Secretary will possess the authority to adjust the charge and repayment thresholds to ensure fairness to taxpayers and to prevent any migrant from facing destitution.

Individuals whose asylum claims are rejected will also be required to reimburse these costs if their income meets the government's set threshold. The Home Office reported that approximately £4 billion of taxpayer funds were allocated to supporting asylum seekers last year. The cost of housing an asylum seeker per night in public accommodation is £23.25, while hotel accommodation costs £144, with weekly subsistence payments ranging from £9.95 to £49.18 per person.

Charity the Refugee Council criticized the plans as "unfair" and "impractical," likening them to an "extra tax on refugees" that would hinder families' ability to rebuild their lives. The organization highlighted that the Home Office's prohibition on asylum seekers working during claim assessments often necessitates support, and that this new financial burden would disproportionately affect those arriving with no resources.

The University of Oxford's Migration Observatory expressed skepticism regarding the potential revenue the government could recoup, citing low employment and earning rates among refugees. Dr. Madeleine Sumption noted that in 2023, only an estimated 13% of individuals granted refugee status five years prior were earning £20,000 or more, with the remainder earning less or not working at all.

Data from the Home Office indicates that within the same calendar year, a quarter of asylum seekers aged 16 to 64 granted status between 2015 and 2023 were employed. This figure rose to 50% two years after refugee status was granted. Among those employed eight years after receiving refugee status, 37% worked full-time with median earnings of £23,000.

Questions remain about the practical implementation of these repayment requirements, particularly concerning the income thresholds and the actual financial recovery the government anticipates. The potential impact on refugees' integration and self-sufficiency also remains a point of concern for support organizations.