UK Introduces New Policy Charging Asylum Seekers Up to £10,000 for Accommodation Costs

The UK Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, has unveiled a new policy requiring asylum seekers granted protection to repay up to £10,000 for temporary housing and support costs incurred during their asylum process. This initiative aims to recoup part of the government’s expenses amid widespread criticism over high public spending on migrants. The repayment system will function similarly to student loan repayments, with deductions made monthly through tax authorities, the Department for Work and Pensions, or directly via the Home Office.

Under the policy, asylum seekers will be barred from obtaining permanent residency until their debt is fully settled. The charge applies regardless of the type of accommodation provided, including hotels, shared housing, or converted former military bases. Braverman emphasized that while the UK has already reduced asylum system costs by £1 billion, those capable of contributing should do so, stating, "Receiving support is a right, but also a responsibility."

Data from Oxford University’s migration department indicates that accommodating an asylum seeker in a hotel for a year costs over £50,000, compared to about £12,000 for cheaper shared housing. Last year, the UK government spent approximately £4 billion supporting 107,000 asylum seekers, with average nightly costs of £144 in hotels and £23.25 in alternative housing.

The new policy draws partly on Denmark’s approach, where authorities can confiscate cash or valuables exceeding 10,000 Danish kroner to cover asylum costs. The UK government also plans to introduce legislation allowing the seizure of valuable assets such as cars or cash from asylum seekers to offset expenses. This bill, to be presented to Parliament soon, includes further measures to tighten immigration rules, including limiting appeals based on human rights laws and expediting deportations.

Additionally, the Home Office announced plans to expand the use of five former military sites to house up to 5,500 asylum seekers. Analysis shows that asylum seekers who used the European Convention on Human Rights to remain in the UK last year could cost taxpayers an estimated £4.9 billion over their lifetimes, covering healthcare, education, welfare, and pensions.