Asylum seekers could be required to repay around £10,000 for accommodation and support once they begin earning, according to new government proposals. The measures form part of the Immigration and Asylum Bill and target recovery of costs from adults with adequate resources. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood introduced the plans in response to pressure over £4 billion in annual asylum expenses. She stated that while asylum support is a right, recipients also have a responsibility to repay once they can contribute. Under the scheme, individuals would repay approximately £10,000, though the Home Office could modify the amount. Those assessed as having sufficient funds would pay a flat rate. Rejected claimants who depart the UK must settle costs before any return. The department noted that migrants must clear the full sum before qualifying for settlement. Critics, including Refugee Council director Imran Hussain, described the policy as an unfair extra tax on those fleeing persecution, arguing it hinders families from rebuilding their lives. Data from 2023 showed that 13 percent of people granted refugee status five years earlier earned at least £20,000. Migration Observatory director Madeleine Sumption observed that few would likely reach contribution thresholds unless set below the minimum wage, limiting overall fiscal impact. She added that the scheme might discourage use of official accommodation or reduce work incentives due to higher effective tax rates. The Home Office has yet to set earnings thresholds for monthly payments. Average nightly housing costs stand at £23.25 in private rentals and £144 in hotels, with weekly subsistence ranging from £9.95 to £49.18. Employment figures indicate 24 percent of 16- to 64-year-olds granted asylum from 2015 to 2023 worked in their first year, rising to 48 percent after two years. Eight years post-status, 37 percent held full-time jobs with median earnings of £23,000.
