House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Asylum changes
02 March 2026 · Home Office
Proposed by Shabana Mahmood Lab Birmingham Ladywood
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The UK government is introducing a 30-month period of protection for refugees.
- Community sponsorship will become the standard approach for supporting refugees.
- Family reunion rules for refugees will be paused and revised.
Issue summary
The statement addresses changes to the UK's asylum system to reduce pull factors that encourage illegal migration while providing temporary protection to genuine refugees.
Action requested
The government is introducing a 30-month period of protection for refugees, with the option to renew or apply for work and study visas for those with skills. Community sponsorship will become the new norm, and family reunion rules will be paused and revised. The Immigration Rules will be amended to implement the 'core protection' system.
Key facts
- Refugee protection will be temporary, with a 30-month period of protection for adults and accompanied children.
- Refugees will need to renew their permission to stay or apply for a legal visa route after 30 months.
- Family reunion rules will be paused and new rules will be designed to align with financial and integration requirements for British citizens.
- The UK saw a 13% increase in asylum claims in the year to September 2025, while Denmark saw a 40-year low.
- Denmark's reforms include temporary refugee status, restrictions on family reunion, and an 8-year wait for permanent settlement with strict integration requirements.
- Refugees in the UK will have to wait 20 years for settlement unless they switch to a legal visa route.
- New legal migration routes will be created for those who can contribute through work or study.
- Unaccompanied children will continue to receive 5 years’ leave while the Government considers long-term policy.