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Migration Reforms
05 March 2026
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Home Office
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement addresses changes to UK immigration rules, including the introduction of a visa brake for specific nationalities, reductions in asylum support duration, and modifications to asylum appeal processes.
Action Requested
The minister is announcing several policy changes effective from March 26, 2026, including a visa brake for Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan, reductions in asylum support duration, and modifications to asylum appeal processes. Additionally, changes to English language requirements for settlement applications will come into effect on March 26, 2027.
Key Facts
- Asylum claims from those who arrived on a visa have tripled since June 2022.
- 15,906 individuals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan are receiving Home Office support, including 6,412 in hotels.
- The visa brake will be introduced on March 26, 2026, for Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan.
- The duration of permission to stay for refugees and humanitarian protection will be reduced to 30 months from 5 years starting March 26, 2026.
- Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children will continue to receive 5 years permission to stay.
- A visit visa requirement for nationals of Nicaragua and St Lucia will take effect at 15:00 GMT on 5 March 2026.
- A six-week visa-free transition period applies for those with existing Electronic Travel Authorisations.
- The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme will be extended by 24 months, with a 90-day application window.
- English language requirements for settlement applications will increase to B2 level from March 26, 2027.
- The duty to provide asylum support will be revoked, allowing for more conditional support systems starting June 2026.
- Conditions of support will be suspended or discontinued if asylum seekers work illegally.
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