The British government's newly announced "earned settlement" policy requires refugees arriving via irregular routes like small boats or lorries to endure up to three decades of waiting before securing settlement. Although exceptions exist for care workers to apply after five years, irregular arrivals face a baseline ten-year penalty that can only be diminished through study or employment. The UN refugee agency argued that prolonged uncertainty and restricted citizenship avenues will severely damage refugee integration, while safe and legal pathways remain open to only a small minority. Rights organizations further cautioned that the measures will not deter people fleeing conflict but will i…
Key points
The UNHCR warned that decades-long settlement delays and short-term stay arrangements sev…: The UNHCR warned that decades-long settlement delays and short-term stay arrangements severely threaten refugee security and societal integration.
Human rights advocates stated the prolonged wait times will disproportionately harm vulne…: Human rights advocates stated the prolonged wait times will disproportionately harm vulnerable individuals, including victims of torture and modern trafficking.
Critics argue the stringent policy will fail to deter desperate asylum seekers who are ac…: Critics argue the stringent policy will fail to deter desperate asylum seekers who are actively fleeing persecution and armed conflict.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
The United Nations refugee agency has said a government plan to make refugees wait up to 30 years before they get permission to settle in the UK “raises significant concerns”.
The strategy was unveiled earlier this week by Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, as she announced a softening of aspects of her immigration plans, but kept some of the rigorous rules drawn up by her office last year.
Mahmood introduced a carve-out for care workers to allow them to apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years, but maintained rules to make those who arrived by irregular means such as small boats having to wait up to 30 years.
UNHCR, which has international responsibility for refugees, told the Guardian that the plan to increase the time people who arrived by irregular means have to wait before being able to apply for settlement was “likely to be detrimental”.
Some refugees can reduce the upper limit of 30 years if they enter work or study but there is a 10-year penalty for those who arrive on small boats or concealed in…
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