UK Asylum Seekers to Repay Support Costs Under New Bill
Refugees would be told to repay around £10,000 under new asylum bill
The United Kingdom is implementing new measures requiring asylum seekers and refugees to repay approximately £10,000 toward accommodation and support costs once they begin earning sufficient income, according to the Immigration and Asylum Bill.
Under the plan, asylum seekers eligible to work must pay the flat-rate fee before settling permanently in the country. Those whose claims are rejected and depart the UK will need to repay costs before returning.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood framed the changes as demonstrating that "asylum support is a right, but it is also a responsibility." The government aims to recover costs from all adults with sufficient funds through mandatory monthly installments. The Home Office has not yet determined the specific income threshold at which repayment obligations begin.