UNHCR slams UK plan for 30-year refugee settlement wait
The UN’s refugee agency has strongly criticised the UK government’s new ‘earned settlement’ strategy, which would force some refugees to wait up to three decades before they can apply for permanent residence. The plan, unveiled earlier this week by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, retains a tough approach for those arriving by irregular routes such as small boats. But the UNHCR, which has international responsibility for refugees, told the Guardian that increasing the wait for irregular arrivals is “likely to be detrimental”. The agency said it raises significant concerns, particularly alongside short-term stay arrangements and last year’s changes that would block many from ever gaining citizenship.
Refugee advocates warn of lasting damage
Kamena Dorling, director of policy at the Helen Bamber Foundation, said the government had a chance to change course after extensive evidence of devastating consequences, but instead doubled down. She called the policy “simply inhumane”, adding that it would damage the lives and futures of thousands of men, women, families and children, and harm wider integration and social cohesion. Dorling also argued that extending the qualifying period for settlement won’t deter people fleeing war, persecution, torture and violence. When legal routes are severely limited, she said, people will continue to take desperate measures to reach safety. The result, she warned, is that recognised refugees face decades of uncertainty, insecurity and fear.
The Home Office has softened some aspects of its immigration plans. Care workers can now apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years. But those who arrive by irregular means still face a 10-year penalty compared to those using safe and legal routes, and the government has significantly reduced those legal pathways.
