Ministers are poised to unveil sweeping changes to Britain’s asylum system in what critics are already calling a major shift in migration policy. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to set out plans to limit refugees granted protection in the UK to an initial 30-month stay, ending what has effectively been open-ended security for many who successfully claim asylum.

The changes come despite unease with Mahmood’s parliamentary party, who have urged the government to water down their immigration policy following last week’s humbling by-election result in Gorton and Denton. Under the proposals, adults and accompanied children claiming asylum will receive a 30-month period of protection and only those whose home country is deemed unsafe would be allowed to extend their stay. Ms Mahmood said: “This country will always provide sanctuary to those genuinely fleeing danger.

“But the generosity of our asylum system is drawing people from across the world, funding human traffickers and encouraging false asylum claims.

“Genuine refugees will find safety in Britain, but we must also make it less attractive for illegal migrants to come here. So once a refugee’s home is safe and they are able to return, they will be expected to do so.

“This is a firm but fair approach, restoring order and control of Britain’s borders, while protecting those truly fleeing war and repression.”

The changes include plans to double to 10 years the amount of time some foreign nationals must wait before they can settle in the UK.

The move marks a significant tightening of the system and is intended to ensure that protection is “temporary and proportionate”, rather than a guaranteed route to permanent settlement.

Under the previous system, refugees were given five years of protection and were able to bring their families ahead of achieving the right to remain.

Just over 100,000 people applied for asylum in 2025, representing a 4% drop on the year before.

Around half of those claims came from people who entered the UK through unauthorised routes, including small boat crossings.

The policy shift is modelled on Denmark’s system, a firm approach admired by Ms Mahmood.

The Home Secretary believes the Government must cut migration or risk opening the door to the right who would divide communities with the kind of anti-immigration raids seen in the US.

Since 2015, Denmark has made refugee status subject to review every two years.

The Social Democrat-led government has reduced the number of asylum applications to the lowest number in 40 years and removed 95% of rejected asylum seekers.

Under the Home Secretary’s plans, refugee status will become temporary, as is the case in Denmark.

Unaccompanied children will continue to receive five years’ leave while a long-term policy for the group is considered.

Robust age assessment measures, including AI technology, are already in place to root out false claims by migrants claiming to be under 18, the Home Office said.

Asylum seekers already in the country will continue to be assessed under the previous rules, it is understood.